“It was just approved. The operations will begin to be carried out as soon as the Cuban medical team is ready to start…. We see transsexualism as a special reality that requires a special response from society…. We have also presented the arguments for a decree law on gender identity that would legally establish that a sex reassignment operation is not necessary for obtaining a change of identity, in the case of diagnosed transsexuals. That would basically amount to social recognition of their identity”
Mariela Castro, head of the National Centre for Sex Education (CENESEX) and daughter of President Castro, speaking on the recent approval to offer gender reassignment as part of the nation’s health care system. Mariela Castro has become a leading pro-GLBT voice and policy maker on the island nation. (IPSnews.net)
“When you pay your taxes, nobody asks you which is your sexual option. Why discriminate against you when you freely choose what to do with your body?”
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in remarks at the first ”National Conference of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transexuals.” (Earth Times) (GMA News)
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!