Mariela Castro Espin, director of the National Center of Sexual Education
(CENESEX), has led the move to make sex-reassignment available to Cubans free
to all who seek it. Mariela Castro, a leader in her own right, is the daughter
of renowned revolutionary leader Vilma Espin and acting Cuban President Raul
Castro.
The newsletter Diversidad (Diversity) reported: 'The measure would complement
the present Identity Law that already acknowledges the right of citizens to
change name and sexual identity. This places Cuba at the vanguard of the
legislations that acknowledge the rights of transvestites, transsexuals and
transgender in Latin America.
'It places Cuba at the vanguard of legislations in North America, as well.
Sex-reassignment is priced out of reach for many transsexual men and women in
the US. And health care in general is a pricey privilege denied tens of
millions in the heartland of imperialism.'
The publication reported that Cuba's parliament will also discuss legislative
recognition of same-sex unions.
For an in-depth historical materialist look at the trajectory of the Cuban
Revolution since 1959 on same-sex love and gender variance, read the Lavender &
Red series at: www.workers.org. Look for the lavender and red logo.
