The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez stated this Saturday that the fight against homophobia and transphobia is part of the "ideals" of socialism in Cuba, at a time when Fidel Castro dedicated himself to persecuting homosexuals, whom he referred to as "degenerates" and "deviants."
In a post regarding the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, commemorating the day when homosexuality was removed from the international classification of mental disorders by the General Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO), Díaz-Canel asserted that the fight against discrimination was rooted in the "foundations" of "equity and justice" of the Cuban government.
"The fight against homophobia and transphobia is part of the ideals of equity and justice of socialism in Cuba. Congratulations to those who have organized the Days to Educate and Overcome Prejudices and Stereotypes. Love is already Law. Let’s make it prevail always," he stated.
Hundreds of internet users criticized Díaz-Canel's hypocrisy in a post that seems to erase the homophobia and transphobia championed by the Castro regime.
"After of the UMAP and enduring so much persecution and expulsion in schools and workplaces, along with police harassment, for them to now claim it is thanks to socialism... Just remember what Guevara said upon seeing a book by Virgilio Piñera in a Cuban embassy," wrote a Cuban professor and researcher.
"Che would be very grateful to have such a large shooting target," said another person sarcastically.
Most people wondered if Díaz-Canel had forgotten that Fidel Castro was the first to exclude and censor homosexuals and lesbians: "And now they act as if they are just and inclusive, how cynical they are."
"It seems that we have already forgotten that the same government sent them to the UMAP for years," another one stated.
The Cuban ruler is trying, unsuccessfully, to clean up the image of the patriarchal and homophobic Cuban regime.
In a speech on March 13, 1963, Fidel Castro foreshadowed what would become the raids and the infamous labor camps where homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other "deviants" were confined.
"Do not confuse the serenity of the Revolution and the composure of the Revolution with weaknesses of the Revolution. Because our society cannot accommodate such degenerations. Socialist society cannot allow that kind of degeneration," the dictator threatened over 60 years ago.
Between 1965 and 1968, the Military Units to Support Production (UMAP) were created, forced labor camps where many young people were sent for the purpose of "reeducation."
According to some scholars, during the existence of these camps, around 35,000 young people were incarcerated, mostly religious individuals and homosexuals.
Many of them died during their time there, both from suicides and from torture. A total of 500 ended up under psychiatric care.
Frequently asked questions about the Cuban government's stance toward the LGBTIQ+ community and the regime's historical hypocrisy
What is the current stance of the Cuban government on homophobia and transphobia?
Miguel Díaz-Canel asserts that the fight against homophobia and transphobia is part of the ideals of socialism in Cuba. However, this stance is criticized for being contradictory to the regime's past, which historically persecuted homosexual and transgender individuals, especially during Fidel Castro's era.
How has the hypocrisy of the Cuban regime manifested regarding LGBTIQ+ rights?
Despite the recent declarations of inclusion, the Cuban regime has historically been oppressive toward the LGBTIQ+ community. During Fidel Castro's government, forced labor camps, known as UMAP, were established, where thousands of young homosexuals and individuals considered "deviants" were confined. This past stands in stark contrast to current attempts to whitewash the regime's image, presenting itself as a defender of LGBTIQ+ rights.
What recent legal changes have impacted the LGBTIQ+ community in Cuba?
The Family Code approved in 2022 legalized same-sex marriage in Cuba, marking a significant advancement in the legal framework for the LGBTIQ+ community. Additionally, a draft Civil Registry Law is under discussion that would allow individuals to change their gender on official documents according to their self-perception, although gender reassignment surgeries are currently on hold due to a lack of resources.
How has the community and the public responded to Díaz-Canel's statements on homophobia?
Díaz-Canel's statements have been criticized by many internet users who point out the hypocrisy of the regime, recalling the past persecution of the LGBTIQ+ community. Comments on social media highlight the inconsistency between the government's historical actions and its current claims of inclusion and equity.
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