Activists and representatives of national institutions
participating in the 10th Cuban Assembly Against Homophobia and Transphobia in
Havana and Villa Clara issued the first postal stamp on 11 May, which features
a polychrome image of Vilma Espin.
Espin, Cuban President Raul Castro’s deceased wife, was the
founder of the Federation of Cuban Women, an organization dedicated to
promoting the rights of women and the LGBTQ community.
The stamp was officially released at the headquarters of the
Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba, UNEAC, Prensa Latina reported.
At the event, UNEAC President Miguel Barnet emphasized the need
to “eliminate stereotypes and prejudices that curb the well-being of men and
women.” Cuban Philatelic Federation President Raul Lorenzo echoed similar
sentiments, stating that the purpose for issuing the stamp is to pay homage to
Cuban history and its continued efforts to guarantee that all islanders benefit
from equal rights.
The 10th Cuban Assembly Against Homophobia and Transphobia ran
from May 3 – 20. It began with a presentation of an educational campaign titled
“Me Included.” This year's theme focused on homophobic and/or transphobic
bullying at schools. Every two years, the conference renews its theme based on
an issue related to human rights.
On 12 May, a cultural gala was held in honor of equal rights. A
conga and performances on Saturday 13 May were also held in Havana to promote
gender and sexual diversity.
Espin was one of the
most-widely recognized women soldiers who fought in the Sierra Maestra
mountains leading up to the 1959 Cuban Revolution. She later became a tireless
advocate for women's rights and a leading member of the Cuban Communist Party.