As part of the activities to mark the 11th Cuban IN CUBA
Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia,
Havana saw a Gala celebration on Friday, and
a huge parade on Saturday evening
A range of activities are being undertaken
May 4 through 18, as part of the 11th Cuban
Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
(Cuba’s event to mark IDAHO - International
Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and
Biphobia).
Under the motto of “Me incluyo” (I include
myself), this year’s activities have been focused
on raising awareness in schools and educational
institutions regarding discrimination against
the LGBTI community, working both with
teachers and students.
On May 11, a cultural Gala was held in Havana’s
Karl Marx Theater, with performances by Cuban
and international artists, who came to together
to celebrate diversity and promote respect for
different sexual and gender identities.
The Director of the National Center for Sex
Education (CENESEX), Mariela Castro,
presented an award to the British LGBT
activist, Mike Jackson, who was portrayed in
the multi-award winning film Pride, based on
the true story of the beginnings of Lesbians
and Gays Support the Miners
(LGSM), set up by activists who
raised money to help families
affected by the British miners’
strike in 1984.
Also awarded was Spanish actress
Carla Antonelli, noted LGBT
rights activist and the first trans
person to serve in a legislature in
Spain, as deputy to the Madrid
Assembly for the Spanish
Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).
Also announced was the
posthumous award for Cuban
journalist Isabel Moya, who
served as director of the Editorial
de la Mujer publishing house,
until her recent death.
The evening saw a varied
and highly artistic show with
performances that had those
gathered dancing, singing along
and laughing.
Spanish actress Antonia San
Juan, popularly known for playing
Estela Reynolds in the series La
que se avecina and assuming the
role of a transsexual in Pedro
Almodóvar’s film All About My
Mother, performed a monologue that sparked
cries of “Bravo!” laughter and applause.
Another impressive moment was the
performance by dancer Zeleidy Crespo, of
Acosta Danza, in the solo Impronta, by Spanish
choreographer María Rovira, a piece dedicated
to the Afro-Cuban deity Yemayá.
Popular Cuban singers Laritza Bacallao and
Hayla María Mompié captivated the audience
with their powerful vocals, while drag artists
Margot, Ashenal, Deborah and Universo
Picasso impressed.
The audience spontaneously took to its feet as a
children’s choir sung Silvio Rodríguez’s classic
“La era,” also performed in sign language.
Meanwhile, Spanish vocalist Beatriz Luengo
conquered the audience with “Más que suerte”
and “Dime si ahora,” as well as her own version
of “Dos gardenias,” the most famous piece by
Cuban composer Isolina Carrillo. Cuban pianist
Cucurucho Valdés masterfully accompanied
the Spanish singer and actress, and also played
the Cuban National Anthem “La Bayamesa.”
The song “Cuba isla bella,” by the group Orishas,
closed the evening event held in Havana’s Karl
Marx Theater, sung by Laritza Bacallao, Hayla
María Mompié, Alain Daniel, Diván, Project
Voces and two of its composers, Beatriz Luengo
and Yotuel Romero.
Also attending the Gala were Minister of
Public Health, Roberto Morales, Secretary
of the Council of State, Homero Acosta; the
Ministers of Education and Higher Education,
Ena Elsa Velázquez and José Ramón Saborido,
respectively; among other government
authorities.
CONGA AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA
AND TRANSPHOBIA
On the evening of Saturday, May 12, the streets
of Havana were awash with color as the Conga
Against Homophobia and Transphobia paraded
along the central Linea Street, culminating in a
concert featuring stars such as Los Van Van, in
the José Antonio Echeverría recreational center.
The Conga saw Cubans and international guests
celebrate diversity in a festive atmosphere, which
drew the attention of passers-by and residents, in
a proud display of sexual and gender identities.
From: www.granma.cu
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