Paper short abstract:

This paper, based on research conducted at the National Centre for Sexual Education (CENESEX) in Havana, analyzes the complex relationship between the centre, the state, and the evolution of sexual diversity rights in Cuba since 2008.

Paper long abstract:

Cuba, once understood to be a violently homophobic country, is now internationally lauded for its attention to sexual diversity rights. The principal driving force behind these changes has been the National Centre for Sexual Education (CENESEX), led by current president Raúl Castro's daughter, Mariela Castro. The centre's main aim has been the normalization of sexual diversity through sexual education and sexual health care. Indeed, the centre has been responsible for, among many others, celebrations for the International Day Against Homophobia since 2007, establishing a series of networks in support of sexual diversity rights, calling for the legalization of same-sex civil-unions, and publishing significant amounts of related research. Yet, although CENESEX has often been the focus of the international media, there has been no solid academic analysis of its evolution, nor has its complex (often viewed as competing) relationship with the state ever been addressed. This paper seeks to analyze the complex evolution of CENESEX and its relationship with the State. Has the normalization of sexual diversity really occurred under Raúl Castro's government or has the centre been working autonomously? And what does this mean for Cuba?