Tuesday night saw another shocking act of transphobic violence in Havana. A group of transgender women suffered a brutal attack near the Sports City, resulting in injuries and once again highlighting the impunity surrounding this community in Cuba.
Activist Adelth Bonne Gamboa reported on social media that the incident took place on October 1st, around 10:45 p.m., when several men targeted the women, hurling objects at them to inflict maximum harm.
A video shared on Facebook shows one of the victims, known as "Bombón," with a bloodied head after being struck by a rock, requiring immediate medical attention at the 26th Clinical Hospital.
Recurring Transphobic Violence
Bonne emphasized that this incident is not isolated but part of a recurring pattern of transphobic violence in the capital. "Just days ago, another transgender woman faced a similar attack. How long will this continue? Until someone is killed?" he questioned.
The denunciation also directly criticizes the police, accusing them of turning a blind eye while these assaults increase. "They don't patrol, intervene, or protect anyone. But when it comes to rounding up and arresting transgender women, they're quick to act. Are resources only available for that?" the activist wrote.
Violence and Lack of Justice
This case evokes memories of past incidents on the island. In June 2023, six transgender women were stoned in Cárdenas, Matanzas, and in November of the same year, young trans woman Roxana Suárez was severely injured in a knife attack in the same city.
Despite the seriousness of these events, activists and organizations like YoSíTeCreo in Cuba have frequently pointed out the lack of effective legal mechanisms to protect the trans community and penalize hate crimes.
"Transfeminicide and violence against transgender women in Cuba are not isolated cases; they are a reflection of a system that persecutes, marginalizes, and leaves them utterly defenseless," the platform recently declared.
Demand for Change
Bonne was resolute in describing what happened near Sports City as hate in its purest form. "This is not a 'neighborhood brawl'; this is about transphobia. It's hate. It's violence. It's impunity," he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Cuban trans community continues to live in fear, knowing they are vulnerable to further attacks without any state assurance of their protection.
Understanding Transphobia and Violence in Cuba
What happened to the transgender women near Havana's Sports City?
A group of transgender women was violently attacked by several men who threw objects at them, resulting in injuries.
How does the police response contribute to the issue?
Activists accuse the police of ignoring these attacks, as they fail to patrol or protect the victims, while being quick to detain transgender women.
Are there any legal protections for transgender individuals in Cuba?
There is a notable absence of effective legal measures to safeguard the transgender community and penalize hate crimes in Cuba.