HAVANA (Reuters) – a homosexual dissident and a transsexual woman hitched on Saturday in exactly what had been reported to be an initial for Cuba, then draped on their own within the rainbow banner of homosexual pride and rode through the roads of Havana.
Gay liberties 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 surrounded by much hoopla, Ignacio Estrada, 31, and Wendy Iriepa, 37, signed a married relationship certificate, exchanged bands and kissed before a situation official, whom wished them happiness that is much.
It absolutely was perhaps perhaps maybe not theoretically a same-sex wedding, that is forbidden in Cuba, and received no disturbance from authorities
Because Iriepa is legitimately a female after undergoing Cuba’s sex that is first state-sanctioned procedure in 2007.
However the wedding, held on Fidel Castro’s birthday that is 85th exactly what the couple had known as a “gift” into the previous frontrunner, had been directed at advancing homosexual liberties 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 public show of help.
Moreover it signaled changing attitudes regarding the island, where homosexuals had been placed 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 lots of inquisitive Cubans awaited the few while they attained federal government marriage workplace within the Havana suburbs.
The bride, putting on 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 your hands as she smiled with delight.
“I’m happy and incredibly nervous, ” the Iriepa that is statuesque said she stepped down through the vehicle. “This is actually the happiest day’s my entire life. ”
‘A ACTION FORWARD’
Estrada, decked away in a suit that is white red tie and arriving individually in a white Mercedes, stated he was additionally delighted and stressed, but that the day’s importance stretched beyond him and their bride. “This is one step ahead for the community that is gay Cuba, ” he said.
The few came across 3 months ago and dropped in love, stated Estrada, who’s got AIDS.
Following the ceremony, they’d their photographs drawn in front side of the wedding that is two-tiered, kissed once again after which implemented 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.
These people were to vacation in a 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 girl that is young her mom, placing her arms to her chest.
“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 mailorderbrides.dating/ukrainian-brides.
“We are extremely pleased with just what has taken place today. A big part of a tiny Cuba, ” Sanchez twittered through the ceremony.
America government has talked of providing educational funding to 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 nationwide Center for Sex Education, stated earlier in the day she was not invited to your wedding, but congratulated the few.