Earlier this spring, at the 10th Cuban Assembly Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Cuba launched a new philatelic campaign promoting gender equality and women’s freedom.
The stamp features a polychrome image of Vilma Espín, who was the wife of Cuban President Raul Castro, who’s the brother of former Cuban President Fidel Castro. A Cuban revolutionary, feminist, and chemical engineer, Espín fought in the Sierra Maestra mountains before the 1959 Cuban Revolution. She later became a advocate for women’s rights and an active member of the Cuban Communist Party. She was also the founder of the Federation of Cuban Women, which is dedicated to promoting the rights of women and the LGBTQ community.
Espín died in Havana on June 18, 2007, following a long illness.
MAY 18 RELEASE
Cuba’s official state news agency reported the Espín stamp was officially released at the headquarters of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) on May 18. According to the report, UNEAC President Miguel Barnet emphasized the need to “eliminate stereotypes and prejudices that curb the well-being of men and women.”
Cuban Philatelic Federation President Raul Lorenzo, who also attended the ceremony, was also supportive of the country’s new issue.
The 10th Cuban Assembly Against Homophobia and Transphobia was held on May 3-20 and began with a educational presentation titled “Me Included.” This year’s theme focused on homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools.