The Cuban Days against Homophobia and Transphobia, whose fifteenth edition will be held until May 21, only scientific dialogue and social activism actions will count, out of respect for the victims of the explosion at the Saratoga hotel, according to a statement released by the National Center for Sex Education (Cenesex).
Through its Facebook profile, the institution indicates that the accident that occurred at the hotel facility is “a very sad event that has shocked all of Cuba” and that “the collective experience of accompanying families suffering from the loss of their loved ones, or those who harbor hope about the recovery of the victims deeply impacted the sensitivity of the activist groups» linked to the work of the center.
Consequently, he points out, “it was decided by consensus to postpone some initiatives” and “suspend those of a festive nature”, while actions of scientific dialogue and social activism will remain on the program, with an emphasis on training activities.
For her part, Mariela Castro Espín, director of Cenesex, commented to the official newspaper Granma that among the activities that are suspended is the traditional conga, which on this occasion would return after its suspension in recent years due to the pandemic.
«This year was going to be the first post-covid conga, this performans in which we carried posters that help the population to think and reflect on the need to transform our way of interpreting and acting with respect to non-heteronormative sexual orientations and gender identities» , confirmed.
However, he said that after what happened “we analyzed and asked ourselves if we were in a position to celebrate. The response of the coordinators and activists from all over the country was “we are not going to celebrate”».
“If it hurts someone not to do the conga, it is precisely us, because we were the ones who created it, who defended it, who argued for its importance and the impact it can have. But we understand the circumstances and we have made the decision in a consensual manner,” added Castro Espín, quoted by Granma.
In addition, he recalled that Cenesex has been celebrating this day for 15 years, deploying all educational, communication, community work and artistic initiatives, to raise awareness among the Cuban population about the rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
This year the designed activities seek to support the precepts defended in the draft of the new Family Code, in favor of respect for the rights of all people and for the plurality of families present on the Island. For this reason, the conference has as its motto this time “All rights for all families”.
