With the international slogan “At the Heart of Democracy,” and the message that in Cuba love is law, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is celebrated this May 17th.
The date, established by the United Nations, seeks to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination still suffered by people in the LGBTIQ+ community worldwide.
The anniversary commemorates the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses, a decisive step towards the depathologization of diverse identities. Since then, the day has become a global call to action for human rights, legal equality, and respect for sexual and gender diversity.
In the global context, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned this year that, despite progress, there are worrying setbacks, with an increase in countries criminalizing same-sex relationships and a growing wave of hate speech.
Therefore, the theme “At the Heart of Democracy” underscores that no society can be considered fully democratic if it does not guarantee freedom and equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In Cuba, the date is part of the 19th International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which began on May 13 and includes activities in several provinces, such as scientific colloquiums, cultural presentations, and community activism events. President Miguel DÃaz-Canel described the day as an opportunity to reaffirm that on the island, “Love is Law,” while the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) and various institutions promoted activities to raise public awareness and demand an end to all forms of discrimination.
The commemoration of May 17th each year serves as a moment for reflection and a call for inclusive public policies, as well as a platform to highlight the remaining challenges in building a society where no one is discriminated against for who they are or whom they love.
[ SOURCE: AGENCIA CUBANA DE NOTICIAS ]
