Cuba & World Day against Homophobia

By Irina Echarry, photos: Caridad

HAVANA TIMES, May 15 – Promoting respect for freedom of sexual orientation has picked up steam in Cuba in recent years. Among its activities in that direction, the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) organizes an educational and cultural day geared to fight all types of discrimination based on sexual orientation.

This year the campaign takes place on Saturday, May 16—the day before World Day against Homophobia.

The day-long program, under the slogan “Diversity is Natural,” includes conferences, panel discussions, debates, films, stories and poetry readings, book and magazine presentations, among other activities in the Pabellon Cuba (Cuba Pavilion) and the Astral and Riviera theaters in Havana.

The goal is to contribute to the education of all society to respect and accept different sexual preferences. This time there is an emphasis on university students, since they will be the future professionals and leaders of the country.

The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with a procession led by the street theater group “Giganteria” on stilts, starting at the Yara Theater on 23rd and L streets. At 10:00 a.m., CENESEX director Mariela Castro Espin will give the opening words at the Cuba Pavilion. At 10:30 begins the panel discussion “Sexual Diversity and the Cuban Family.”

At 12:00 noon will be a presentation of related books and magazines, as well as a CENESEX report on the campaign to promote respect. Likewise, at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30, the National Center for HIV/AIDS prevention will make presentations on their latest campaigns.

The day concludes at the Cuba Pavilion with a concert from 4-5:30 with artists Rochy, Yenisey del Castillo and folksingers of the Hermanos Sais Association.