Adela Hernandez was elected as a local
delegate earlier this month, becoming the first openly transgender
person to be elected to public office in Cuba.
According to the Associated Press,
Hernandez was elected as a delegate to the municipal government of
Caibarien in the central province of Villa Clara.
Hernandez has lived as a female since
childhood. Her own father turned her in to authorities in the 1980s
and she served two years in prison for “dangerousness.”
The 48-year-old Hernandez said her
victory proved Cuban society was becoming increasingly accepting of
LGBT people.
“As time evolves, homophobic people –
although they will always exist – are the minority,” she told the
AP.
Hernandez said she has been physically
attacked in the past.
Her work in the community led her to
seek a seat in local government. She said she would be an advocate
for gay rights.
“I represent a community but I will
always keep in mind the defense of gays,” she said.
(Source: Associated
Press.)