In an Aug. 31 interview with the Mexican newspaper La Jornada, Fidel Castro accepted responsibility for Cuba's persecution of homosexuals decades ago.
From 1959, when the previous government was overthrown in an armed rebellion, until the 1970s, gays were branded as counterrevolutionaries and forced into labor camps.
"Those were moments of great injustice," Castro told La Jornada. "A great injustice! … If anyone is responsible, I am.
"It's a given that at that time, I couldn't occupy myself with this matter. I found myself immersed primarily in the October Crisis (Cuban missile crisis), the war, political questions (but) I'm not going to toss the blame on others."
These days, Cuba stages official public LGBT events.
On May 15, hundreds of LGBT people marched in Havana's Vedado nightlife district in advance of the May 17 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. They were led by President Ra√∫l Castro's daughter Mariela, who heads CENESEX, the National Sex Education Center.
Other IDAHO events included workshops on LGBT issues and a huge, officially sanctioned outdoor drag show May 17 in the city of Santa Clara, 160 miles east of Havana.
Castro: I'm responsible for past anti-gay persecution
Read More
Michigan Democratic Party LGBT and Allies Caucus Holds Spring Meeting
One of the most often derided cliches of political journalism is to say “a lot is at stake in this election” but it is quite literally true this [...]
Why So Many Local Queer Folks Are Flocking to Mishpacha, Temple Beth Emeth’s Thriving LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
Ari Smith was a little worried when her rabbi called to ask her about something he was noticing in her part of the sanctuary during weekly services at Temple [...]
Why a Local Academic Is Fostering Queer Discussion and Community Through an Old-Fashioned Book Club
Queer books on public library shelves have come under fire across the country in recent years, but you wouldn’t know it at the Ypsilanti District Library [...]
Biden-Harris Campaign Launches LGBTQ+ Voter Initiative at Affirmations — How You Can Get Involved in the 2024 Election
The election season is officially heating up in Michigan, with a special focus on queer voters. On April 10, local and statewide community leaders and elected [...]
Tips on Selecting a Wedding Venue When You’re Stuck on the ‘Where’
One of the most critical decisions engaged couples will make is choosing a ceremony and reception venue. These choices will impact almost every other choice, so [...]
How the Recently Passed Michigan Family Protection Act Will Safeguard LGBTQ+ Parents and Families
Michigan Democrats have held a “trifecta” of power since late 2022 when the party flipped both chambers of the House and won the governorship and [...]
