"Cuba is a poor country. Most of the Cubans who leave only do so if they can find better economic conditions elsewhere. That's why we need changes. We have to offer incentives to keep people here. We have to create more attractive policies for young people, so that it also makes economic sense for them to stay. We need growth and a better quality of life for everyone."
Mariela Castro
Politician
Mariela Castro is a Cuban politician and LGBTQ+ rights activist known for her work in advancing social justice and equality in Cuba.
- Born
- July 27, 1962
- Quotes
- 5
- Rank
- #1135
About Mariela Castro
Mariela Castro — Life and Legacy
Mariela Castro is a prominent Cuban politician and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, recognized for her significant contributions to social justice in Cuba. As the director of the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), she has been instrumental in promoting awareness and acceptance of sexual diversity, challenging deep-rooted societal norms. Her quotes often reflect her belief that freedom is inextricably linked to equality, as she states that 'the right to love is a fundamental human right.' This perspective underscores her commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can live authentically and without fear. Through her advocacy, she has not only influenced policy changes but also fostered a cultural shift towards greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Cuban society. Mariela Castro's work continues to resonate, inspiring new generations to fight for equality and human rights, making her a vital figure in the ongoing struggle for social justice.
Quote collection
Mariela Castro quotes
5 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"No one is punished for free speech in Cuba. If free and inconvenient thoughts were a crime in our country, I would have been a good candidate for prison, with my advocacy for sexual self-determination. Those people are in prison because they are mercenaries paid by Washington."
"We've been at this 56 years and ... we love saying that we are a country in revolution, trying to create socialism, and we form part of a single party called the Communist Party."
"I hope that the economic, financial and trade blockade against Cuba will be lifted, so that the economy can grow and wages can rise. But I also hope that we will not compromise our independence and become weak, and that we will never betray our ideals of equality and social justice. This is what our parents fought for, and we owe it to them."
"For me, sexual identity and orientation is a human right, which should also be accepted by the United Nations. Of course, innovations in this area provoke contradictions, especially in a society like ours, because Cuba has so many revolutionary processes."