On Saturday, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the leader of Cuba, declared that combating homophobia and transphobia is embedded in the socialist ideals of the country. This statement sharply contrasts with the actions of Fidel Castro, who once aggressively targeted homosexuals, labeling them as "degenerates" and "deviants."
The announcement was made in observance of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, which commemorates the historic decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. Díaz-Canel emphasized that the fight against discrimination is grounded in the Cuban government's principles of "equity and justice."
"The battle against homophobia and transphobia is integral to the ideals of equity and justice within Cuban socialism. Congratulations to those who, for 18 years, have organized efforts to educate and overcome prejudices and stereotypes. Love is now law. Let's ensure it always prevails," Díaz-Canel stated.
This assertion drew criticism from numerous online users, who accused Díaz-Canel of hypocrisy for seemingly erasing the homophobic and transphobic legacy of the Castro regime.
"After subjecting so many homosexuals to forced labor camps known as UMAP, and the widespread persecution and expulsion from schools and workplaces, along with police harassment, they now claim it's thanks to socialism... It's enough to recall what Guevara said upon seeing a book by Virgilio Piñera in a Cuban embassy," a Cuban professor and researcher commented.
Another individual sarcastically remarked, "The Che would be grateful to have such a broad target for his aim."
Many questioned whether Díaz-Canel had forgotten that Fidel Castro was the first to exclude and censor homosexuals and lesbians. "And now they pose as just and inclusive, how cynical," one user noted.
"It seems we've forgotten that the very same government sent them to UMAP for years," another commented.
Díaz-Canel's attempt to rehabilitate the image of Cuba's patriarchal and homophobic regime appears futile. In a speech dated March 13, 1963, Fidel Castro foreshadowed the notorious raids and forced labor camps where homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, and other "deviants" were confined.
"Don't mistake the Revolution's calmness and equanimity for its weaknesses. Our society cannot accommodate such degenerations. The socialist society cannot allow these kinds of degenerations," the dictator warned over 60 years ago.
From 1965 to 1968, the Military Units to Aid Production (UMAP) were established as forced labor camps. Many young people were sent there for "reeducation," with an estimated 35,000 individuals, mainly religious individuals and homosexuals, being detained during the camps' operation. Many perished there due to suicide or torture, and 500 ended up in psychiatric care.
Understanding Cuba's Historical Context on Homophobia and Transphobia
What were the UMAP camps in Cuba?
The UMAP camps, or Military Units to Aid Production, were Cuban forced labor camps established between 1965 and 1968. They aimed to "reeducate" individuals deemed undesirable by the regime, including homosexuals and religious individuals.
How did Fidel Castro view homosexuality?
Fidel Castro historically labeled homosexuals as "degenerates" and "deviants," and his regime actively persecuted them, notably through the UMAP camps and other forms of societal exclusion and censorship.
What is the significance of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia?
This day marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization's decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders, highlighting global efforts to combat discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.