Raul Castro's daughter spearheads anti-homophobia drive

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Agence France-Presse

Monday May 12, 11:54 AM
Raul Castro's daughter spearheads anti-homophobia drive

HAVANA (AFP) - President Raul Castro's daughter, Mariela, is organizing Cuba's second anti-homophobia festival this week to boost public awareness of the country's long-marginalized gay community, this time with the approval of her dad's government.

"There's political support for this educational strategy. It's the best thing that's happened to us," Mariela Castro said about the backing the National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX) she heads is receiving from Cuba's Communist Party.
(snip)

For as long as Cuba's communist revolution began nearly 50 years ago, Mariela and her mother have been busy trying to whittle away at the country's machismo tradition.

The week-long festival in Havana and six of Cuba's 14 provinces, aims to increase public awareness about gay rights through television programs, movies, theater, debates and book fairs, culminating with the International Day Against Homophobia, on May 17.

Besides the educational efforts, Mariela's group is also busy reforming Cuba's Family Code and has proposed in parliament a bill on freedom of gender -- the right to choose one's gender, and the right to "legal union" for gays.
The legal union issue is an effort to sidestep the Catholic Church's determined opposition to gay marriage rights.




Read more: http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/080511/8/5d8s.html

[closeupready]

1. That's interesting. It's encouraging that even in Third World countries, progress

on human rights is possible, because the popular notion has always seemed to be that respect for human rights improves only when/if material prosperity does, as well. This story belies that notion.

[Judi Lynn]

2. It is interesting to note that the state will be offering transgender operations for people

who seek them, using Belgian doctors who have far more experience in this area.

Seems as if they're going the distance to try to bridge the gap.

How many Congress people do you imagine here would vote for similar medical care, at the expense of the taxpayers?

[closeupready]

4. heh, that's for sure. A snowball would have better odds at surviving hell.

n/t

[IronLionZion]

8. I thought Nazi Germany would have put that myth to rest by now. nt

[closeupready]

10. Good point. That, too. Didn't think of that.

:hi:

[IronLionZion]

12. A lot of westerners would be pleasantly surprised

how modern and progressive some of these "third world" countries when it comes to human rights, or even quality of health care and education.

[Dogtown]

3. K&R

This is excellent!

[Laughing Mirror]

5. Bless You, Mariela

And Thank You, Judi Lynn!

[Judi Lynn]

6. If we had been allowed more contact with Cuba, we all would have heard about Mariela Castro long ago

She sounds like someone determined to make a difference, doesn't she?

Good to see you, downstairsparts. :hi:

[nichomachus]

7. Damn those socialists

Damn their universal health care

Damn their universal literacy

And now this travesty.

We need to stamp all this out. Just wait. We will.

:sarcasm:

[HEyHEY]

16. I'd say the USA is quite ahead of Cuba on this issue.

[Mika]

41. Really? Please expand.

I'd like to read your opinion on this.

:hi:

[lumpy]

45. " I'd say the USA is quite ahead of Cuba on this issue"

but behind on so many others.

[Mika]

48. Huh?

Cuba has 100% universal health care access. Cuba has the highest Dr to patient ratio in the world.

The same stats apply to Cuba's education system and teacher/student ratios.


In this regard, Cuba is a world leader.


Learn from Cuba
http://www.twnside.org.sg/title/learn.htm

“It is in some sense almost an anti-model,” according to Eric Swanson, the programme manager for the Bank’s Development Data Group, which compiled the WDI, a tome of almost 400 pages covering scores of economic, social, and environmental indicators.

Indeed, Cuba is living proof in many ways that the Bank’s dictum that economic growth is a pre-condition for improving the lives of the poor is over-stated, if not, downright wrong.

-

It has reduced its infant mortality rate from 11 per 1,000 births in 1990 to seven in 1999, which places it firmly in the ranks of the western industrialised nations. It now stands at six, according to Jo Ritzen, the Bank’s Vice President for Development Policy, who visited Cuba privately several months ago to see for himself.

By comparison, the infant mortality rate for Argentina stood at 18 in 1999;

Chile’s was down to ten; and Costa Rica, at 12. For the entire Latin American and Caribbean region as a whole, the average was 30 in 1999.

Similarly, the mortality rate for children under the age of five in Cuba has fallen from 13 to eight per thousand over the decade. That figure is 50% lower than the rate in Chile, the Latin American country closest to Cuba’s achievement. For the region as a whole, the average was 38 in 1999.

“Six for every 1,000 in infant mortality - the same level as Spain - is just unbelievable,” according to Ritzen, a former education minister in the Netherlands. “You observe it, and so you see that Cuba has done exceedingly well in the human development area.”

Indeed, in Ritzen’s own field, the figures tell much the same story. Net primary enrolment for both girls and boys reached 100% in 1997, up from 92% in 1990. That was as high as most developed nations - higher even than the US rate and well above 80-90% rates achieved by the most advanced Latin American countries.

“Even in education performance, Cuba’s is very much in tune with the developed world, and much higher than schools in, say, Argentina, Brazil, or Chile.”

It is no wonder, in some ways. Public spending on education in Cuba amounts to about 6.7% of gross national income, twice the proportion in other Latin American and Caribbean countries and even Singapore.

There were 12 primary school pupils for every Cuban teacher in 1997, a ratio that ranked with Sweden, rather than any other developing country. The Latin American and East Asian average was twice as high at 25 to one.

The average youth (age 15-24) illiteracy rate in Latin America and the Caribbean stands at 7%. In Cuba, the rate is zero. In Latin America, where the average is 7%, only Uruguay approaches that achievement, with one percent youth illiteracy.

“Cuba managed to reduce illiteracy from 40% to zero within ten years,” said Ritzen. “If Cuba shows that it is possible, it shifts the burden of proof to those who say it’s not possible.”

Similarly, Cuba devoted 9.1% of its gross domestic product (GDP) during the 1990s to health care, roughly equivalent to Canada’s rate. Its ratio of 5.3 doctors per 1,000 people was the highest in the world.

The question that these statistics pose, of course, is whether the Cuban experience can be replicated. The answer given here is probably not.

“What does it, is the incredible dedication,” according to Wayne Smith, who was head of the US Interests Section in Havana in the late 1970s and early 1980s and has travelled to the island many times since.

-

[IronLionZion]

9. Why is Cuba such a bad place again?

:shrug:

[davidinalameda]

34. maybe you should talk to some of the political prisoners still in jail

just saying

[IronLionZion]

35. I'd love to

But I have spoken to people who have visited Cuba who have said it's a lovely place. I'd like to go myself. Most countries have normal relations with Cuba and it is a popular tourist destination.

[davidinalameda]

43. lovely place

I'm sure it is if you follow the party line or are a tourist with hard currency

so how's that one party dictatorship working out?

[lumpy]

46. Interesting, have you talked to any of Cuba's political prisoners?

Curious to hear any details that you can relate, you know like reasons for theior incarceration etc.

[davidinalameda]

51. I haven't

but by definition, political prisoners are in prison for political reasons

are you attempting to say that there are no political prisoners in Cuba, a one party Communist dictatorship for the past 50 years or so?

[MessiahRp]

11. Things seem to be improving under Raul Castro

Maybe it's time to sit down and talk with these guys...

Rp

[Kajsa]

13. It's long overdue, MessiahRp.

That *(&^% trade embargo should have been lifted a long
time ago, also.

[MessiahRp]

18. I agree...

Unfortunately we've had too many ignorant leaders in office to bother with someone who doesn't think exactly as they do.

It's sickening that we are even discussing war with countries we never bother to sit down and talk with.

Rp

[crimsonblue]

14. Wouldn't it be something if Cuba becomes a freer country than the US?

I've heard from a Dominican friend of mine that new Castro regime is considering holding open, fair elections. This would explain why the regime has opened up quite a bit (allowing computer, cell phone, other electronic purchases, spending more money on infrastructure and health care, improving relations with foreign countries).

[FatDave]

17. All good signs for my cigar smoking best friend. (nt)

[Zorro]

19. HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Man, that's the funniest thing I've read about Cuba in a long time!

Open, fair elections in Cuba! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[Regret My New Name]

50. Yeah, no kidding... As if the US would ever allow that.

[Kajsa]

15. Good for Mariela!

Bravo!
She is a pioneer and humanitarian.

:applause:

Thanks for posting this, Judi Lynn.

:)

[Judi Lynn]

36. You're right. She is well motivated in using her position to help others. Here's an article

written about her a little earlier, translated from a Cuban periodical, La Journada:

La Jornada

December 10, 2007

A CubaNews translation. Edited by Walter Lippmann. Original:
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2007/12/10/index.php?section=mundo&article=035n1mun

Cuba’s official homophobia of days gone by
“a mistake”, says Mariela Castro Espín.

Our institutions should admit they were wrong and see to it that it won’t happen again, she points out.

New legislation includes, among others, the notion of people’s right to a free sexual orientation. Raúl Castro’s speech prods Cubans to speak their mind, says La Jornada.

By Gerardo Arreola (Correspondent)

Havana, December 9.– Cuba’s homophobic stance of years past is now deemed “a mistake”, but further discussion about those days is still needed. “We have to analyze why it happened”, sexologist Mariela Castro Espín told La Jornada.

Early last year, the director of the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) reported to this newspaper a legal initiative to recognize the rights of transsexuals to their own identity as well as to clinical treatment, a proposal developed in the course of discussions.

While awaiting the relevant legal arrangements, this project has included, among other provisions, the notion of people’s right to a free sexual orientation and their family’s respect, and to the recognition of a same-sex couple’s right to employment, inheritance, parenthood and adoption, the same as everyone else.

Mariela, daughter of Raúl Castro –Cuba’s acting president– and the late Vilma Espín –a longtime advocate of gender-related rights– is now taking stock of that debate, the survival of homophobic prejudice in her country and her work with the government in that field.

http://www.walterlippmann.com/docs1682.html





Mariela's late mother, Vilma Espín, and in one photo, standing with her brother at her mother's funeral

Mariela Castro's Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariela_Castro

Hi, Kajsa. :hi:

[Kajsa]

40. Great article, Judi.

She is an outstanding young lady.

Thanks so much.
Hi, Judi.

:hi: :pals:

[cnc1970]

20. Very interesting

Thats good progress, but I would think they would do more for the rights of more of their people if they focused on voting rights and worked to open up Cuba form the US embargo, besides I really want to go on vacation there!

[roody]

32. Thanks to Mariela and Cubans like her,

Cubans have excellent health and sex education. This is not new. Cuban's standard of living has been raised by young women being able to choose to not have children, and having the care and information to do so.

[trickyguy]

21. They are going to have to two-step around the Catholic Church but

gays and lesbians are good at learning some new moves rather fast.

We've had to adapt to many changing situations very quickly.

Or get murdered in Cuba or be-headed in the middle east.

But congratulations to Mariela and her mother for being persistent in the face of adversity.

Just remember: Silence Equals Death. Always.:evilgrin:

[MNBrewer]

22. The Third World

has been leading the US for a LONG time on gay rights. See South Africa....

[cnc1970]

23. yea like egypt and most other parts of africa?

sure how many executions and prison terms are there involving the "crime" of homosexuality there? As many people here that would want to do that it isn't happening.

[MNBrewer]

24. No

Like South Africa. South Africa eliminated sodomy laws before the US did (not that US actually DID....they're just not enforcible). While the US is busy enacting anti-gay laws, they're being overturned all over the world. At one time we used to be able to say, "well, we're not as bad as South Africa"... not so much these days.

[cnc1970]

31. well.........

that still doesn't support your claim that the third world is leading the US in this matter. Unless you don't consider the rest of Africa to be part of the third world?

[Sam Ervin jret]

25. A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step. You go Mariela and Mom.

[countmyvote4real]

26. Yay! We can be gay and commie again. They go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Seriously, this is an important movement. Congrats to Mariela.

[NNadir]

27. None of this will bring back the life of Reinaldo Arenas, imprisoned in Cuba for being gay.

Julian Schnabel made a film about the homophobia of the Royal Family of Cuba:

http://www.culturecourt.com/F/Art/BNightFalls.htm

The Castros are a royal family, and frankly, apologetics for them on any human rights score disgusts me.

[MNBrewer]

28. well.

Nothing anyone can do can bring back the life of anyone, for example Matthew Sheppard.

The Castro's aren't any more royal than I am. Fidel was a dictator, NOT a king.

Nobody's promoting apologetics for the Castro dictatorship here, merely pointing out ACTUAL progress over Cuba's historical antigay policies.

[NNadir]

30. Suit yourself. Nobody who rules a country for nearly 5 decades and is succeeded by his brother

is anything but a King.

You seem to think that if you call a lemon a pear it will not be sour.

The Castro family is famous for oppression, not just of gays, but of the intellectuals, the sick, the mentally ill and so on.

There are lots of people who have fought for human rights for all. The members of the Castro dynasty are not among them.

[iverglas]

54. ya gotta laugh

Kings are often named George and succeeded by their sons, aren't they?

And yes, some had brothers who succeeded them. Maybe there was a king in Camelot whose brother tried to succeed him, after the king was shot, and got shot himself, eh?

And then there have been both kings and dictators who had wives who held their places for a while ...


Some places evolve. Others apparently devolve.

[David__77]

29. Laws should be gender-neutral.

It would seem to be that biological sex matters insofar as medical care is concerned, but "gender" should have no bearing.

[Better Believe It]

33. Cuba Shows The Way Again! K&R

I suppose if you were a corporate whore, big business owner or gangster Castro was a ruthless dictator!

[Vidar]

37. Brava, Mariela! Highly recommended.

[otherlander]

38. Haven't people been kicked out of Cuba

for being homosexual?

[closeupready]

39. yes, of course. That's why I say, this is so interesting. Her activism represents a sea change.

It's encouraging for gays and lesbians who still live in Cuba. Just as not everybody can be president, not everybody can be a refugee. Some gays and lesbians will remain in Cuba, and this is a good development for them.

[Mika]

44. Not at all. The sea change is that it is being reported in the US.

Here's a story from 1997 ..

Gays Wed In Cuba: The Second Revolution
http://www.thegully.com/essays/cuba/010621gay_cuba.html

JUNE 21, 2001. A few hours before floats, rainbow flags, and a sea of humanity filled Sao Paulo's central Avenida Paulista last Sunday for Latin America's biggest ever Pride Parade, Agence France Presse reported that, in Cuba, two gay male couples also made history by publicly holding the first gay wedding there.

Four local boys, Michel and Ángel, and Juanito and Alejandro, ranging in ages from 17 to 22, exchanged symbolic vows before their families and friends at a neighborhood recreation center in one of the poorest sections of San Miguel del Padrón, a working-class suburb southeast of Havana.

Dressed in white, with Ángel and Juanito as brides, the four declared themselves "very happy" and said they planned to honeymoon together at one of the modest camping sites the government runs for Cubans.

- -

Controversial gay soap opera grips Cuba
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4962540.stm

A TV soap opera is generating controversy on the streets of Cuba and attracting a record number of viewers. The reason? It is about what until now has been a taboo for Cuban TV: homosexuality.

It seems to be the sole topic of conversation in the workplace and the neighbourhoods, even though many men insist angrily that they do not watch "that telenovela in which a married man 'discovers himself' through a sexual relationship with a male friend".

Cuba's parliament has recently approved surgical gender reassignment as part of their universal health care coverage.

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-6619.html


-

[Judi Lynn]

49. I recall seeing the first story years ago, Mika. You're so right, this isn't a recent event. n/t

[Mika]

42. Viva Cuba!

So many DU Cuba "experts" piping in, I see.

I wonder .. how many have actually been to Cuba - or read any real information about the island nation that isn't US gov, Miamicuban exile, or disaster capitalist generated anti Cuba propaganda.

- -

Seems that there are a lot on this thread alone. :sarcasm:

[Mika]

47. Cuba Will Celebrate International Day against Homophobia next May 17

Cuba Will Celebrate International Day against Homofobia next May 17

Cuba will celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, next Saturday May 17, date when the World Health Organization eliminated the homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses.

On that day, the Caribbean coountry will carry out activities of education in the society to respect the right to the free and responsible sexual orientation and gender identity, reports the Cuban News Agency.

The central venue of the program will be Pabellón Cuba, in Havana, with debates about the sexual diversity, launching of books and magazines. There will also be educational brochures on the prevention of the AIDS and the illnesses of sexual transmission.

During this whole week and until the day 17, the Cinema Club Diferente, in the capital, will project movies on the topic and will organize a cinema-debate during the whole year.

Several institutions, as the ministries of Public Health and of Culture, the Association of Cuban Writers and Artists, the Foundation Ludwig and the Association Hermanos Saíz, support this program, while the date will also be celebrated in the provinces of Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus and Santiago de Cuba.

The announcement, led by the National Center of Sexual Education, intends to contribute to the education of the whole society, with emphasis in the family, in the respect for the right to the free and responsible sexual orientation and gender identity, as exercise of the social justice.

Homophobia refers to the aversion, hate, fear, prejudice or discrimination against homosexual people, and also reach bisexual (bifobia) or transgender (transfobia).

-

[YDogg]

52. kinda like the way dick cheney took up the banner for gay rights?

or maybe not so much.

[Judi Lynn]

53. Cuba rallies against homophobia

Cuba rallies against homophobia
Posted Sun May 18, 2008 1:33pm AEST

Cuban authorities have joined celebrations marking 'International Day Against Homophobia' in the capital, Havana.

It is only the second time Cuba has officially marked the anniversary of the World Health Organisation's decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses.

Several hundred gay men and women gathered at an outdoor cultural centre for a rare display of public solidarity.

Cuba National Assembly president Ricardo Alarcon says he supports the celebrations.

"I think that it's a good initiative. It's an issue that raises concern around the world and I think it's good that in Cuba it is also marked in a proper way," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/18/2248192.htm?section=world

[ohio2007]

55. Gay Iranian granted asylum in UK - Rauls daughter should call the Iranian ambassador and ask for

'clarification' of this story of asylum from their close friend and allie


Gay Iranian granted asylum in UK
A gay Iranian teenager who said he could be executed if he was sent home has been given asylum in Britain.

Mehdi Kazemi, 19, came to London to study English in 2005, but later discovered his boyfriend had been charged with sodomy in Iran and hanged.



Iran has regularly executed people convicted of homosexual acts

snip

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7411706.stm