U.S. Embassy in Cuba marks day against homophobia, transphobia

U.S. Embassy in Cuba marks day against homophobia, transphobia

HAVANA — The rainbow flag flew over the U.S. Embassy in Cuba on Tuesday
in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia and
Transphobia.

The embassy posted onto its Facebook page a Spanish translation of
President Obama's International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
statement that the White House released earlier in the day.

"On May 17, Americans and people around the world mark the International
Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, reaffirming the dignity and
inherent worth of everyone, regardless of who they love or their gender
identity," said Obama.
"Our embassy joins in the celebration," read the embassy's Facebook post.

U.S. Embassies in the Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan and other countries
also acknowledged the International Day Against Homophobia and
Transphobia by flying the rainbow flag.
Mariela Castro, daughter of Cuban President Raúl Castro, on Tuesday
participated in a march in the city of Matanzas that marked the
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, which commemorates
the World Health Organization's decision to declassify homosexuality as
a mental illness. She and hundreds of her supporters on May 14 also
marched from a park near the embassy to a pavilion in Havana's Vedado
neighborhood.

Freedom to Work President Tico Almeida, who is Cuban American, and
Freedom to Marry founder Evan Wolfson met with U.S. Chief of Mission
Jeffrey DeLaurentis last week. They also sat down at the embassy with
independent Cuban LGBT rights advocates who are spearheading a campaign
in support of marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Source: U.S. Embassy in Cuba marks day against homophobia, transphobia -
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/05/18/u-s-embassy-in-cuba-marks-day-against-homophobia-transphobia/