HAVANA (Reuters) – a homosexual dissident and a transsexual woman hitched on Saturday with what had been said to be a primary for Cuba, then draped by themselves within the rainbow banner of homosexual pride and rode through the roads of Havana.

Gay liberties activist and dissident Ignacio Estrada and wendy that is transexual salute waving a LGBT flag from the convertible car 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, finalized a wedding certificate, exchanged bands and ukrainian mail order bride kissed before a situation official, whom wished them much delight.

It had been maybe maybe maybe not theoretically a marriage that is same-sex which will be forbidden in Cuba, and received no disturbance from authorities

Because Iriepa is legitimately a female after undergoing Cuba’s first state-sanctioned intercourse modification procedure in 2007.

Nevertheless the wedding, held on Fidel Castro’s birthday that is 85th just just what the few had known as a “gift” towards the previous frontrunner, ended up being directed at advancing homosexual legal rights in Cuba and tinged with politics as several of Cuba’s best-known dissidents participated and U.S. Diplomats went to in a general general public show of help.

Moreover it signaled changing attitudes regarding the area, where homosexuals had been put into camps within 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 inquisitive Cubans awaited the few while they reached federal federal federal government wedding workplace within the Havana suburbs.

The bride, putting on a strapless wedding that is white, made an exuberant arrival in a 1950s Ford convertible, sitting through to the backseat and keeping the homosexual pride banner high with your hands as she smiled with pleasure.

“I’m happy and extremely nervous, ” the Iriepa that is statuesque said she stepped down through the vehicle. “This is truly the happiest day’s my entire life. ”

‘A ACTION FORWARD’

Estrada, decked away in a white suit and red tie and showing up individually in a white Mercedes, stated he had been additionally pleased and stressed, but that the day’s importance stretched beyond him along with his bride. “This is one step ahead for the community that is gay Cuba, ” he said.

The few came across 90 days ago and dropped in love, stated Estrada, who has got AIDS.

Following the ceremony, that they had their photographs drawn in front side of a wedding that is two-tiered, kissed once more after which accompanied Cuban tradition by riding through the roads in a convertible, the horn blaring a couple of notes of wedding music.

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

They certainly were to honeymoon within an undisclosed location.

The result of Cuban onlookers, whom crowded the pavements 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 mom, placing her fingers to her upper body.

“I don’t think they must be in a position to marry. It goes against nature, ” said middle-aged Iris Gonzalez, whom also asked “Where did she get those breasts? ”

Prominent dissident bloggers Yoani Sanchez and husband Reinaldo Escobar took part in the marriage, while Laura Pollan and Berta Soler, leaders for the dissident women in White attended.

“We are extremely satisfied with exactly what has taken place today. A large step up a tiny Cuba, ” Sanchez twittered through the ceremony.

The usa government has spoken of providing school funding to gay dissidents included in its long-standing campaign to market governmental improvement in Cuba, however it is as yet not known if money has started to move.

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

Mariela Castro, whom heads Cuba’s nationwide Center for Intercourse Education, stated earlier in the day she wasn’t invited into the wedding, but congratulated the few.