LavenderRed_Cubabook

Castro Espín added, “I think we are at a good moment to implement policies that
are more explicit about the defense of the human rights of homosexuals, so that we are
better prepared to confront any manifestation of discrimination on the grounds of sexual
orientation. I see this very humanistic attempt to achieve greater respect for the rights of
homosexuals as the waging of a battle of ideas in our society. I believe this notion has to
be part of the cultural and political battle because that would mean a cultural, social and
political strengthening for the Cuban Revolution.”
Castro Espín said she is advocating for an amendment to the Cuban Constitution to
add homosexuality to the groups against which discrimination is outlawed. “It is a proposal
I am making from my position of responsibility as the director of the CENESEX.
I assure you it has been heard by receptive listeners. My proposal is in no way removed
or distant from the spirit of the revolution, or from the entire process that has brought
about this call to a battle of ideas.
“It would be wonderful to be able to spark meaningful, inter-group discussion on
this subject,” Castro Espín emphasized, “so that Cuban society could develop a healthier
culture of sexuality, one that is fairer, that helps to erode old, erroneous beliefs and prejudices
that emphasize sexual orientation.
“Something like this would put the revolution even more in line with its humanistic
ethic; the Cuban Revolution has been possible because of the participation of all men
and women, of all Cubans who have identified with the conquests and dreams of that
social project. Among all those who have participated there are also people of diverse
sexual orientations.”
Don’t measure with imperial ruler
As earlier articles in this series documented, the CIA, Hollywood and corporate
media tried to deflect resistance to U.S. imperialism’s covert war against Cuba, and its
domestic discrimination, police brutality and bashing of same-sex-loving and gendervariant
people, by focusing on the onerous tasks Cuba’s revolution faced in uprooting
centuries of prejudice about same-sex love. Of course, each poisonous seed had been
planted and cultivated by U.S. capitalism and, earlier, Spanish colonialism.
However, Castro Espín stated categorically to journalist Mary Lamey via a translator,
“There is no official repression of lesbians and gays in Cuba. What remains are social
and cultural reactions that must be transformed, the same as in many other countries.”
(Lamey)
She pointed to the bashings of transsexuals and homosexuals in England and other
imperialist countries: “This doesn’t exist in Cuba. The Cuban population is much more
respectful of differences than in other places.” She emphasized, “When I’m afraid I will
find a very strong resistance, I find a high degree of sensibility in the Cuban population.”
Today, the Cuban Revolution has made enormous strides in raising popular con-
90 Rainbow Solidarity in Defense of Cuba