HAVANA (Reuters) – a homosexual dissident and a transsexual woman married on Saturday with what had been reported 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 transexual Wendy Iriepa salute waving a LGBT flag from the convertible automobile after their wedding in Havana August 13, 2011. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan

In an easy civil ceremony enclosed by much hoopla, Ignacio Estrada, 31, and Wendy Iriepa, 37, signed a married relationship certificate, exchanged bands and kissed before a state official, whom wished them happiness that is much.

It had been maybe perhaps not theoretically a same-sex wedding, that is forbidden in Cuba, and received no disturbance from authorities

Because Iriepa is lawfully a girl after undergoing Cuba’s first state-sanctioned intercourse modification operation in 2007.

However the wedding, held on Fidel examine this site Castro’s birthday that is 85th exactly what the couple had called a “gift” into the previous leader, ended up being 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 help.

It signaled changing attitudes from the area, where homosexuals had been put into camps within the 1960s to be “counterrevolutionary” in an integral part of history that prompted a mea culpa from Fidel Castro this past year.

Applauding supporters, a throng of reporters and a large number of wondering Cubans awaited the few because they attained a national government wedding workplace within the Havana suburbs.

The bride, putting on a strapless white wedding gown, made an exuberant arrival in a 1950s Ford convertible, sitting through to the backseat and keeping the homosexual pride flag high with both of your hands as she smiled with delight.

“I’m happy and incredibly nervous, ” the statuesque Iriepa stated as she stepped down through the vehicle. “This is actually the happiest day’s my entire life. ”

‘A ACTION FORWARD’

Estrada, decked down in a white suit and red tie and showing up individually in a white Mercedes, said he was additionally pleased and stressed, but that the day’s importance stretched beyond him and their bride. “This is one step ahead when it comes to homosexual community in Cuba, ” he said.

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

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

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

They certainly were to vacation in a location that is undisclosed.

The result of Cuban onlookers, who 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 young girl asked her mom, 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 whom 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 associated with the dissident feamales in White went to.

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

The usa government has talked of offering aid that is financial homosexual dissidents included in its long-standing campaign to market governmental improvement in Cuba, however it is as yet not known if cash has started to move.

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

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