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

Gay liberties activist and dissident Ignacio Estrada and wendy that is transexual 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 surrounded by much hoopla, Ignacio Estrada, 31, and Wendy Iriepa, 37, signed a married relationship certificate, exchanged bands and kissed before a situation official, whom wished them much pleasure.

It had been perhaps perhaps perhaps not theoretically a marriage that is same-sex which can be forbidden in Cuba, and drew no disturbance from authorities

because Iriepa is legitimately a female after undergoing Cuba’s sex that is first state-sanctioned procedure in 2007.

Nevertheless the wedding, held on Fidel Castro’s birthday that is 85th just just exactly what the few had called a “gift” to your previous frontrunner, had been 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 support.

Moreover it signaled changing attitudes regarding the area, where homosexuals had been positioned in camps into the 1960s to be “counterrevolutionary” in part of history that prompted a mea culpa from Fidel Castro year that is last.

Applauding supporters, a throng of reporters and a large number of interested Cubans awaited the couple while they attained a national federal federal government wedding mail order bride workplace when you look at the Havana suburbs.

The bride, using a strapless white bridal dress, 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 pleasure.

“I’m happy and incredibly nervous,” the Iriepa that is statuesque said she stepped down through the automobile. “This is truly 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, stated he had been additionally pleased and stressed, but that the day’s importance extended beyond him and their bride. “This is one step forward when it comes to gay community in Cuba,” he said.

The couple met 90 days ago and dropped in love, stated Estrada, who’s got AIDS.

Following the ceremony, they’d their photographs drawn in front side of the wedding that is two-tiered, kissed once more after which used Cuban tradition by riding through the roads in a convertible, the horn blaring several records of wedding music.

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

These people were to vacation within an undisclosed location.

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

“What does she have actually here, mami?” a girl that is young her mother, placing her arms 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 who also asked “Where did she get those breasts?”

Prominent bloggers that are dissident Sanchez and spouse Reinaldo Escobar took part in the marriage, while Laura Pollan and Berta Soler, leaders regarding the dissident feamales in White went to.

“We are extremely pleased with exactly what has happened today. a large part of a tiny Cuba,” Sanchez twittered through the ceremony.

The usa government has talked of offering school funding to homosexual dissidents included in its long-standing campaign to advertise governmental improvement in Cuba, however it is as yet not known if cash has begun to move.

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

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