Dora Leonor Mesa, Translator: lapizcero
The Motherland is joy for all, pain for all and heaven for all,
and nobody's fiefdom or chaplaincy.
Jose Marti
In Cuba's educator circles, the proper attention to the sexual
orientation of students is lacking.
In my judgement we are a homophobic society whether in a conscious way
or not. Matter of fact, some of the worst insults used against others
are: "tortillera" (lesbian) or "pajaro" (gay). There were other times
when other defiant expressions were "marimacha" for females, and "pato",
"flojo" or "loca" for males.
The few advances in the matter of sexual diversity that have occurred in
the country are a function of several factors, some of them, inevitable.
The population up to a point have gained some comprehension and interest
regarding this matter, a change in postures towards homosexuality
timidly comes forward.
It is not difficult for an experienced teacher to discern with much
effectiveness the sexual orientation of pupils in an elementary school
The attitude that teachers take, for lack of better strategies and
training, swings between "alerting" the parents to "turning a blind
eye," in the event that the heterosexuality of the boy or the girl is
not "properly defined", only to be commented upon on later among the
teachers themselves.
The theme of homosexuality has been taken up with more or less success
by visual artists, film directors — the well received "Fresas y
Chocolate" ("Strawberries and Chocolate") is a good example — as well as
intellectuals and writers. The climax arrived with Mariela Castro,
director of CENESEX, The Cuban Center for Sex Education, and wide
diffusion of her objectives. Other initiatives in favor of the rights of
lesbians and gays gain strength. Among the most recognized is
Observatorio Cubano de los Derechos LGBT ("Cuban Observatory for LGBT
Rights") directed by Leannes Imbert Acosta.
From my perspective on the matter, any citizen initiative in favor of
minority human rights is valid. In the case of gays or lesbians it must
pointed out that the suffering inflicted on them in the majority of
classrooms is real. Any manifestation from an adolescent is to some
extent emotive, but if the adolescent is gay or lesbian, it is qualified
as exaggerated or indecent.
The cases of physical or psychological assault on both boys and girls in
secondary and college preparatory education are not rare, coming from
their classmates as much as from teachers. Some years ago I witnessed
how the assistant principal of a secondary school humiliated a pupil on
a daily basis while all of us fathers and mothers of students were
almost convinced that the teacher was also gay. The attitude of the
child's family seemed inexplicable to me always. I learned later that
the knowledge and courage required to come to the defense of someone has
to wend its way through one's own self-esteem and the laws or training
related to conflict resolution.
Several transsexual weddings have been celebrated in Cuba. Mere drops in
the ocean of ignorance and disgust with which the majority of the
citizens look at them. The scant information about the topic, the
prejudices of centuries, add even more fuel to the fire of the
difficulties that accompany this part of our Youth.
The Education Ministry in Cuba and civil society along with other
entities, state or not, have talented professionals, ready to take an
interest in this matter, and create proper communication. All it needs
is space to work in peace and trust.
The State needs more people interested in being teachers or
collaborators within the teaching system; as such, it should show the
indispensable concern and generosity to help many more of the ones who
today – lesbians and gays – are students and who tomorrow, who knows,
may be highly qualified citizens, ceaseless workers, renowned
scientists. They are Cubans, they are worthy of the full enjoyment of
their lives and successes. The right to be proud of their sexuality
belongs to them.
Translated by: lapizcero
September 29 2011
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