HAVANA (Reuters) – a homosexual dissident and a transsexual woman hitched on Saturday in exactly what had been reported to be a primary ukrainian women for marriage for Cuba, then draped by themselves into the rainbow banner of homosexual pride and rode through the streets of Havana.
Gay liberties activist and dissident Ignacio Estrada and transexual Wendy Iriepa salute waving a LGBT flag from the convertible vehicle after their wedding in Havana August 13, 2011. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan
In a straightforward civil ceremony surrounded by much hoopla, Ignacio Estrada, 31, and Wendy Iriepa, 37, finalized a wedding certificate, exchanged rings and kissed before a situation official, whom wished them happiness that is much.
It absolutely was perhaps not theoretically a marriage that is same-sex that will be forbidden in Cuba, and drew no disturbance from authorities
Because Iriepa is legitimately a female after undergoing Cuba’s first state-sanctioned intercourse modification procedure in 2007.
However the wedding, held on Fidel Castro’s birthday that is 85th just what the few had called a “gift” to your previous leader, ended up being targeted at advancing homosexual legal rights in Cuba and tinged with politics as a few of Cuba’s best-known dissidents participated and U.S. Diplomats went to in a general public show of help.
In addition signaled changing attitudes regarding the area, where homosexuals were put in camps within the 1960s to be “counterrevolutionary” in an integral part of history that prompted a mea culpa from Fidel Castro year that is last.
Applauding supporters, a throng of reporters and lots of wondering Cubans awaited the few while they attained federal federal federal government wedding workplace into the Havana suburbs.
The bride, using a strapless white bridal dress, made an exuberant arrival in a 1950s Ford convertible, sitting through to the backseat and keeping the gay pride banner high with both of your hands as she smiled with pleasure.
“I’m happy and incredibly nervous, ” the Iriepa that is statuesque said she stepped down through the automobile. “This is actually the happiest day’s my entire life. ”
‘A ACTION FORWARD’
Estrada, decked down in a suit that is white red tie and showing up individually in a white Mercedes, stated he had been additionally pleased and stressed, but that the day’s importance extended beyond him along with his bride. “This is one step ahead when it comes to community that is gay Cuba, ” he said.
The couple came across 3 months ago and dropped in love, stated Estrada, who’s got AIDS.
Following the ceremony, that they had their photographs used front side of a wedding that is two-tiered, kissed once more after which used Cuban tradition by riding through the roads in a convertible, the horn blaring a couple of records of wedding music.
The only distinction ended up being the rainbow banner they draped across their arms.
They certainly were to vacation in a undisclosed location.
The result of Cuban onlookers, whom crowded the sidewalks 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, putting 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 of this dissident women in White went to.
Today“We are very happy with what has occurred. A large step up a tiny Cuba, ” Sanchez twittered through the ceremony.
The usa government has talked of offering aid that is financial gay 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 marriage and child of Cuban President Raul Castro.
Mariela Castro, whom heads Cuba’s nationwide Center for Intercourse Education, stated early in the day she was not invited into the wedding, but congratulated the few.