Yumisleidi Rodríguez, a transgender student in Cuba, proudly shared on social media that he was able to choose and wear the male school uniform at his educational institution in Havana, with which he feels more comfortable and identified.
Rodríguez originally shared her joy in the Facebook group "Cuban Mothers for a Better World," but due to the controversy it generated, the post was removed.
However, the activist known on that social media platform as Lara Crofs shared a screenshot of the original post, which reveals that Rodríguez was very happy to be able to wear the uniform of their choice.
“It’s my second year studying logistics at Playa Girón school, and I am grateful that they allowed me to choose the uniform that I feel most comfortable in and that identifies me the most,” the student stated while expressing her appreciation for the support from the school director.
He especially expressed his gratitude to his teacher "for giving me so much support and not judging me, and to my classmates for not discriminating against me and for showing me so much affection."
Finally, Rodríguez emphasized that "thanks to the new code, trans adolescents can feel freer and have more rights," referring to the Family Code or Law 156/2022 that came into effect in 2022. This legislation introduced several new features, such as equal marriage, solidary or surrogate gestation, and the recognition of diverse forms of parentage that go beyond biological relationships.
The original post made by Rodríguez sparked significant controversy; however, Lara Crofs emphasized the bravery of this trans boy while criticizing those who attacked the young man: "The comments are shameful; the preconceived notions, the hatred towards what is different, the transphobia that some comments reflect is terrible."
"Before commenting, think about how much these people are already suffering for you to come and further violate and marginalize them," remarked the activist, who expressed solidarity with the courage Rodríguez demonstrated on social media.
Lara Croft advocated for solidarity and better understanding: “Do not engage in discriminatory behavior, do not violate their rights. Their sexual identity does not define the kind of person they are. But your comment does define who you are and it hurts them.”
Finally, the activist noted that she did not vote in favor of the current Family Code; however, she acknowledged the importance of having the support of teachers and school administrators for transgender individuals in Cuba: "And if this has been thanks to the code, then I applaud it wholeheartedly."
Although Cuba has a legal framework that recognizes and protects the rights of transgender individuals, everyday practice is far from what is written in black and white.
In August, Jessica Rabbit Toirac Matos, a Cuban transgender woman, publicly reported on social media an act of transphobia committed by the Provincial Directorate of Culture in Guantánamo province.
Through her personal Instagram account, Toirac expressed her outrage and demanded respect and recognition of her rights as a trans woman, stating: "They are transphobic for not allowing trans women, dancers who have been evaluated in performances, to dance on a float."
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