Cuban Same-sex Couples 'Wed' in March for LGBT Rights Led by Castro's Daughter

A couple performs a symbolic marriage with US Reverend
Roger LaRade in Havana. 

THE GUARDIAN: Activist Mariela Castro, daughter of president Raúl, sponsors event at which 20 couples are blessed by American and Canadian clergy members

A day before Cuban president Raúl Castro was to visit the Vatican, his daughter sponsored a blessing ceremony for gay couples on an island where gay marriage remains illegal.

More than 1,000 gay, lesbian and transgender Cubans marched through Havana on Saturday, proudly displaying their truest selves for a day in a society where they still endure discrimination.

The Eighth Annual March against Homophobia and Transphobia took on extra meaning for about 20 couples who participated in a “Celebration of Love”, symbolically exchanging vows.

The couples held hands or embraced as American and Canadian protestant clergy members blessed them. It was part of official ceremonies leading up to the Global Day against Homophobia on 17 May.

Castro’s daughter, Mariela, heads Cuba’s Center for Sex Education, which has been pushing for gay rights in a country with a history of persecuting homosexuals. » | Agencies in Havana | Saturday, May 09, 2015