Transgender couple formalizes marriage in Cuba for the first time

July 19, 2019

Two transgender people formalized their union on Tuesday, July 16th, at the Palace of Marriages of San Francisco de Paula, in Havana, reported the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) through its Facebook page.

In its note, the institution explains that this act "does not violate what is established in Cuban legal order," since in the case of Dunia and Ramsces, it concerns two people whose genders registered at birth are male and female, respectively, although they are not consistent with their gender identities.

"This event takes on special relevance considering that the state institution, belonging to the Ministry of Justice, respected the way they express their gender identity, an obstacle overcome after a first failed attempt at said institution, which required the legal advice of CENESEX's Legal Guidance Services," the text adds.

"To date, both receive care from the National Commission for Comprehensive Care of Transgender Persons, and are awaiting, by their own decision, surgical interventions."

The couple is part of Alma Azul-Transgender Men of Cuba, one of the community social networks linked to CENESEX, according to the text.

Liam Duran Cardona, coordinator of that group, thanked the network's Facebook page for the incredible opportunity of having been one of the wedding witnesses.

He urges that "this marriage serve as a reference for other people with trans identities in Cuba who request legal support regarding their image. That it can always happen if there is willingness and love."

The news has had a very positive impact on social media, where activists and allies of the LGBTIQ+ collectives have left messages full of joy and optimism, such as that of Marlin Gonzalez, who celebrates this "extraordinary example of equality and non-discrimination," or that of David García Beruvides, who congratulates the couple and hopes that "soon it will be between two people of the same sex."