Mariela Castro leads Pride march through Havana

by Austin Stallings
Journalism Intern

Mariela Castro is leading the way on the reformation of LGBT rights in Cuba, literally.

Castro, who is head of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education, led a march through the streets of Havana yesterday to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

The march featured thousands of people and filled the streets of the Cuban capital of Havana despite the blazing sun beating down on them.

A number of figures from the US took part in the march amid warming relations between the two countries – with Evan Wolfson of US group Freedom to Marry and transgender actress Candis Cayne joining her in the parade.

Castro said that same-sex couples should be granted the right to form a union “just as heterosexual couples have” in order to protect their rights.

Homosexuality has been legal in Cuba since 1979, but there was little progress on the issue under former President Fidel Castro, with little anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people and no partnership rights for same-sex couples.

Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry told the Miami Herald: “Thanks to President Obama, the restoration of relations between the US and Cuba allows people to travel and exchange ideas, and I am thrilled to now be one of them.

“I’m no expert and am here to learn, listen, and share ideas, including a better understanding of Cuba’s pathway to the freedom to marry."

Ms Castro previously infuriated social conservatives in the country by holding a ceremonial same-sex union.

The Gayly- 5/16/16 @ 3:50 p.m. CDT