Translator: Janice Heppenstall Reviewer: Sebastian Betti
I want to talk about the sexual revolution
in the context of the Cuban Revolution.
The emancipatory process of the Revolution brought about important changes
that started a process of erosion of power relations,
of the power relations inherited from the European colonial systems
but also from patriarchal cultures
that already existed within the African populations
that formed part of our history, of our lives.
But these power relations that were being eroded
are still being eroded.
I see this, for example, in relations between social classes.
Above all, this tremendous impulse for unbelievable change throughout the 60's,
not even the people themselves really knew it was happening
but it enthused them so much that they joined in
and their lives were greatly enriched.
And I notice it particularly in the attitudes of men towards women;
It wasn't the end of sexism but it was changed.
I speak of the sexism seen and experienced
amongst both women and men.
Because it's expressed through these relationships and these identities,
As well as in other ways that we're gradually becoming aware of.
But also in the imbalance of power
of white people over black people.
I prefer to speak of colour
because we're all descended from Africa.
Also in relations between the generations.
And for me a very special example
is the literacy campaign.
The youth of that time were so inspired
by the young men and woman who had succeeded
in bringing about the Revolution.
There was no longer anyone to stop teenagers and young people
who wanted their lives to count for something,
who wanted to play their part in what was happening.
And in that literacy campaign even after the murders
of young literacy teachers
more teenagers and young people wanted to take part.
I wouldn't have wanted to be a mother in those days
because I would have been terrified
thinking that my teenage daughters and sons
would go places far from our home
where they were in real danger.
So, that's an example, but the changes that have occurred since then
and in the life stories of Cuban women are really momentous
in that they've brought about these changes in our society.
Changes such as since 1959
women have started to earn the same salary as men,
an ongoing issue even in many developed countries
where the women still earn less than the men
for equal work in the same profession or trade.
But also, in 1965 abortion became available
as a safe and free service through the national health system
Even today, the fact that abortion remains illegal, forces many women
to choose between prison and death
throughout much of the world.
This was the starting point for development of a policy
and programme for sex education
that in many ways has been instrumental in creating the conditions
for this process of sexual revolution.
What I mean is, the Revolution brought about many changes
and these changes continue the process of revolution.
And this is what's happening in more recent years with this work
that the National Centre for Sex Education
has promoted together with other State bodies
and community organisations
to highlight in the Cuban population other forms of discrimination,
other forms of power that some people have over others
that even now the Revolution
hasn't fully succeeded in transforming.
It's true that in the 60's, 70's and 80's
there was still, for example, a strong institutionalised homophobia
but this also came
from the deeply held ideology learned from our ancestors.
Transforming it was difficult.
And there was no understanding, as far as I can see,
that these forms of discrimination
were incompatible with the transformational process of the Revolution.
So what was needed was the words, the discourse, the language
and the knowledge, to try to raise awareness,
and to educate our population.
I can't say that we've succeeded but we're getting there.
People are waking up to it.
And I see in the Cuban population throughout all the provinces
some reactions that show that the Cuban people
are very aware of campaigns and projects about social justice.
And this is what we're trying to do:
generate awareness so that we can change the culture.
setting aside the old culture of power relations
expressed through discrimination, social exclusion, segregation,
and move towards new ideas,
towards new projects, new ways of doing things
that we're inventing, we're creating,
inspired by a liberating paradigm for humanity and society.
With this basis our humble but passionate work is to increase education,
raise awareness, generate a sense of responsibility
and solidarity between the people.
Also regarding issues
that historically were used as reasons and mechanisms of social control
like power between sexes.
Something as simple as the sexes.
And from this starting point have emerged many other ideas
in which we also have to continue working.
But sex, that was considered so sinful in former times
and that now we recognise as an important part of our lives
since without sex there's no life
and in this way we can make life much more pleasant,
happy, cheerful, responsible, loving and supportive.
And this is our objective: sex education in Cuba,
to teach both a sense of freedom and a sense of responsibility.
To offer knowledge and understanding to the various generations
that form our society, our population, so that they're liberated,
so they can draw their own conclusions without being manipulated by others.
That's what we're doing.
It's freedom that we want to develop through these efforts.
So thank you for being here, for listening to what we have to say.
and of course I invite you to engage with your ideas and discussions
and with your proposals for moving forward in a society still undergoing revolution.
Many thanks.
(Applause)