Adela Hernandez: First Transgender Person Elected To Public Office In Cuba
- By
- On Top Magazine Staff
- | November 17, 2012
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.)