Diversity is Natural

While the country obviously has many deficiencies and civil freedoms still are greatly restricted, it is nonetheless interesting that Cuba rather than the USA - alleged land of the free - is implementing a government sponsored Anti-Homophobia Campaign. That's right, communist Cuba not the USA. I continue to be appalled that many countries that are typically viewed as not as advanced or not as democratic as the United States are leaving us in the dust in terms of accepting what medical and mental health professionals tell us: being gay is a natural state of affairs for a minority of the population. Nevertheless, the USA continues to have religious extremists imposing their anti-gay religious views on the larger public in denigration of the freedom of religion promised in the U. S. Constitution. I look forward to the day when religious bigotry will be cleansed from the civil laws in this nation. Here are some highlights on Cuba's new anti-homophobia campaign:

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The 2009 campaign for respect for freedom of sexual orientation, under the slogan "Diversity is Natural", will try to contribute to "the education of society in general, with an emphasis on university students, about respect for people's free and responsible sexual orientation and gender identity, as an exercise in equity and social justice."

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The National Centre for Sex Education (CENESEX) "cannot do this work on its own, which is why we have called on the youth of the country, who will become the future professionals and leaders of society," said Mariela Castro, the head of CENESEX, which has developed a wide-ranging programme in support of the right to sexual diversity since 2004.

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Castro addressed the opening event of the campaign, a forum and debate held on Mar. 26 at the headquarters of the University Students Federation (FEU) at the University of Havana. There was standing room only at the forum, which was attended by students, university professors, CENESEX staff and representatives of the gay community.

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According to CENESEX's Sexual Diversity Project, the campaign includes educational activities under the National Sex Education Programme, small group meetings, workshops, video-debates, talks and exchanges "to stimulate and promote reflection and debate among university students." "This year we want to focus on audiences capable of being multiplier agents and extending the work, like the university population," said Castro. With this goal in mind, CENESEX initially worked on the campaign design with members of the Young Communist League and the FEU in Havana, and will later branch out into the provinces.

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In an interview with IPS, the head of CENESEX and daughter of Cuban President Raúl Castro said the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) will be celebrated in Havana this year on May 16 and will be devoted to young people, and also to families, so that "parents may better understand" their homosexual or transsexual children.

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Not surprisingly, the Roman Catholic Church is not happy with these advances for gays in Cuba.