Gay guy marries woman that is transsexual Cuban first
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 on their own within the rainbow banner of homosexual pride and rode through the roads of Havana.
Gay legal rights 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 an easy civil ceremony surrounded by 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 joy.
It had been perhaps maybe perhaps not theoretically a marriage that is same-sex which can be forbidden in Cuba, and received no interference from authorities
Because Iriepa is legitimately a girl after undergoing Cuba’s sex that is first state-sanctioned procedure in 2007.
Nevertheless the wedding, held on Fidel Castro’s birthday that is 85th exactly what the few had called a “gift” to your previous frontrunner, had been directed at advancing homosexual legal rights in Cuba and tinged with politics as a number of Cuba’s best-known dissidents participated and U.S. Diplomats attended in a general public show of help.
It signaled changing attitudes from the island, where homosexuals had been put in camps within the 1960s to be “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 inquisitive Cubans awaited the few while they reached a national government wedding workplace when you look at 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 delight.
“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 call at 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 forward for the homosexual community in Cuba, ” he said.
The few came across 3 months ago and dropped in love, said Estrada, who may have AIDS.
Following the ceremony, that they had their photographs drawn in front side of a two-tiered wedding dessert, kissed once again after which observed 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.
These people were to vacation within an location that is undisclosed.
The result of Cuban onlookers, whom crowded the pavements and viewed 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 arms to her upper body.
“I don’t think they must be in a position to marry. It goes against nature, ” said middle-aged Iris Gonzalez, whom also asked “Where did she get those breasts? ”
Prominent bloggers that are dissident Sanchez and spouse Reinaldo Escobar took part in the marriage, while Laura Pollan and Berta Soler, leaders regarding the dissident feamales in White went to.
Today“We are very happy with what has occurred. A large part of a tiny Cuba, ” Sanchez twittered through the ceremony.
The usa government has talked of providing aid that is financial homosexual dissidents as an element of its long-standing campaign to advertise governmental improvement in Cuba, however it is as yet not known if money has started to move.
Particularly missing ended up being Mariela Castro, Cuba’s biggest proponent of homosexual wedding 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 towards the wedding, but congratulated the few.
