HAVANA (Reuters) – a homosexual dissident and a transsexual woman hitched on Saturday with what had been reported to be an initial for Cuba, then draped by themselves within the rainbow banner of homosexual pride and rode through the roads of Havana.

Gay legal rights activist and dissident Ignacio Estrada and transexual Wendy Iriepa salute waving a LGBT flag from the convertible automobile after their wedding in Havana August 13, 2011. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan

In a straightforward civil ceremony enclosed by much hoopla, Ignacio Estrada, 31, and Wendy Iriepa, 37, finalized a wedding certificate, exchanged bands and kissed before a situation official, whom wished them happiness that is much.

It absolutely was perhaps not theoretically a same-sex marriage, that is forbidden in Cuba, and received no disturbance from authorities

because Iriepa is lawfully a female after undergoing Cuba’s first state-sanctioned intercourse modification procedure in 2007.

However the wedding, held on Fidel Castro’s 85th birthday celebration in exactly what the few had known as a “gift” towards the previous frontrunner, ended up being targeted at advancing homosexual legal rights in Cuba and tinged with politics as a number of Cuba’s best-known dissidents participated and U.S. diplomats went to in a general public show of help.

Additionally signaled changing attitudes regarding the island, where homosexuals had been positioned in camps when you look at the 1960s to be “counterrevolutionary” in an integral part of history that prompted a mea culpa from Fidel Castro year that is last.

Applauding supporters, a throng of reporters and lots of inquisitive Cubans awaited the few while they attained a national federal government wedding workplace when you look at the Havana suburbs.

The bride, using a strapless wedding that is white, made an exuberant arrival in a 1950s Ford convertible, sitting through to the backseat and keeping the homosexual pride banner high with both of your hands as she smiled with joy.

“I’m happy and extremely nervous,” the statuesque Iriepa stated as she stepped down through the automobile. “This is actually the happiest day’s my entire life.”

‘A ACTION FORWARD’

Estrada, decked down in a suit that is white red tie and showing up individually in a white Mercedes, said he had been additionally delighted and stressed, but moscow bridess review that the day’s importance stretched beyond him along with his bride. “This is one step ahead when it comes to community that is gay Cuba,” he said.

The few came across 3 months ago and dropped in love, stated Estrada, who may have AIDS.

Following the ceremony, that they had their photographs used front side of a two-tiered wedding dessert, kissed again after which adopted Cuban tradition by riding through the roads in a convertible, the horn blaring a couple of notes of wedding music.

The difference that is only the rainbow banner they draped across their arms.

These people were to vacation in a location that is undisclosed.

The result of Cuban onlookers, whom crowded the pavements and viewed from apartment windows, ranged from applause to laughter that is derisive bewilderment.

“What does she have actually here, mami?” a new girl asked her mom, placing her fingers to her upper body.

“I don’t think they must be in a position to marry. It goes against nature,” said Iris that is middle-aged Gonzalez whom also asked “Where did she get those breasts?”

Prominent bloggers that are dissident Sanchez and husband Reinaldo Escobar took part in the marriage, while Laura Pollan and Berta Soler, leaders associated with the dissident Ladies in White went to.

Today“We are very happy with what has occurred. a big part of a tiny Cuba,” Sanchez twittered through the ceremony.

The usa government has talked of offering aid that is financial homosexual dissidents included in its long-standing campaign to market governmental improvement in Cuba, however it is as yet not known if cash has started to flow.

Particularly missing ended up being Mariela Castro, Cuba’s proponent that is biggest of gay wedding and child of Cuban President Raul Castro.

Mariela Castro, whom heads Cuba’s nationwide Center for Intercourse Education, stated earlier in the day she was not invited towards the wedding, but congratulated the couple.

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