HAVANA (Reuters) – a homosexual dissident and a transsexual woman hitched on Saturday with what had been reported to be a primary for Cuba, then draped by themselves within the rainbow banner of homosexual pride and rode through the roads of Havana.
Gay rights activist and dissident Ignacio Estrada and transexual Wendy Iriepa salute waving a LGBT flag from a convertible automobile after their wedding in Havana August 13, 2011. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan
In a straightforward civil ceremony in the middle of much hoopla, Ignacio Estrada, 31, and Wendy Iriepa, 37, finalized a wedding certificate, exchanged bands and kissed before a situation official, whom wished them much delight.
It absolutely was perhaps maybe not theoretically a marriage that is same-sex which will be forbidden in Cuba, and received no disturbance from authorities
because Iriepa is lawfully a lady after undergoing Cuba’s sex that is first state-sanctioned procedure in 2007.
Nevertheless the wedding, held on Fidel Castro’s 85th birthday celebration in just exactly exactly what the few had called a “gift” to your former frontrunner, ended up being targeted at advancing homosexual rights in Cuba and tinged with politics as a number of Cuba’s best-known dissidents participated and U.S. diplomats went to in a general general general public show of help.
It signaled changing attitudes from the area, where homosexuals had been positioned in camps into the 1960s for being “counterrevolutionary” in part of history that prompted a mea culpa from Fidel Castro year that is last.
Applauding supporters, a throng of reporters and a large number of wondering Cubans awaited the few while they reached a national government marriage workplace into the Havana suburbs.
The bride, putting on a strapless wedding that is white, made an exuberant arrival in a 1950s Ford convertible, sitting through to the backseat and keeping the homosexual pride flag high with both of your hands as she smiled with pleasure.
“I’m happy and extremely nervous,” the Iriepa that is statuesque said she stepped down through the vehicle. “This is actually the happiest day’s my entire life.”
‘A STEP FORWARD’
Estrada, decked away in a white suit and red tie and showing up individually in a white Mercedes, stated he had been additionally pleased and stressed, but that the day’s importance stretched beyond him and their bride. “This is one step ahead when it comes to homosexual community in Cuba,” he said.
The few came across 90 days ago and dropped in love, stated Estrada, who’s got AIDS.
Following the ceremony, that they had their photographs drawn in front of a wedding that is two-tiered, kissed once again after which used Cuban tradition by riding through the roads in a convertible, the horn blaring a couple of records of wedding music.
The difference that is only the rainbow banner they draped across their arms.
They certainly were to vacation within an location that is undisclosed.
The result of Cuban onlookers, whom crowded the pavements and watched from apartment windows, ranged from applause to laughter that is derisive bewilderment.
“What does she have actually here, mami?” a new girl asked her mom, placing her fingers to her upper body.
“I don’t think they must be in a position to marry. It goes against nature,” said Iris that is middle-aged Gonzalez whom also asked “Where did she get those breasts?”
Prominent dissident bloggers Yoani Sanchez and spouse Reinaldo Escobar took part in the marriage, while Laura Pollan and Berta Soler, leaders associated with dissident women in White went to.
Today“We are very happy with what has occurred. a huge help a tiny Cuba,” Sanchez twittered through the ceremony.
The usa government has spoken of providing aid that is financial homosexual dissidents included in its long-standing campaign to market governmental improvement in Cuba, however it is as yet not known if cash has started to move.
Particularly missing ended up being Mariela Castro, Cuba’s proponent that is biggest of homosexual wedding and child of Cuban President Raul Castro.
Mariela Castro, whom heads Cuba’s National Center for Intercourse Education, stated early in the day she was not invited to your wedding, but congratulated the few.