Abel Prieto causes controversy with homophobic and transphobic tweet

The former Minister of Culture and current President of House of the Americans, Abel Prieto Jimenezhas sparked a storm of protest after a tweet that has been labeled homophobic and transphobic by many in Cuban society. Despite deleting the post from his account on the social media platform XPrieto failed to see that his words were unwelcome to activists and individuals associated with the LGBTIQ+ community. Screenshots of the tweet were quickly taken and shared across other social networks.

“If someone thinks differently like Abel Prieto Jiménez, they should take off their mask. Enough of hypocrisy and backstage homophobia,” activist Yadiel Cepero wrote, accompanied by a screenshot of Prieto’s tweet.

In his controversial post, Prieto argued that “the system promotes false diversity to hide authentic diversity.” His words were paired with images of members of the transgender community, whom he criticized, and indigenous peoples, whom he praised.

Prieto’s words were not only poorly received, but also drew criticism from another activist. Dennis Valdes Pilar pointed out to the official that his photos had been misused. “The people in the photo at the bottom of your tweet are not from Cuba. The few Taino families left in Eastern Cuba live in extreme poverty, and the people in the top photo are not responsible for that; it’s all your fault,” Valdés Pilar noted on Facebook.

Valdés Pilar also shared photos of indigenous Cubans living in Guantanamo and urged Prieto to engage with “these people who need it more. Acknowledge your institutionalized homophobia and transphobia.”

Meanwhile, activist Yoelkis Torres Tapanes compared the image that the current president shares of Casa de Las Américas with that of the “far right” to promote “policies in favor of equality”.

Contradictions in Cuban Policy

“It is interesting how this low-level attack on the trans community is taking place in a country where the Constitution claims to prohibit discrimination. And even more so when so-called rights discourses are discussed in the General Assembly and promoted in a diffuse and incoherent way, because one thing is always said and another is done,” said Torres Tápanes.

The same prosecutor asked several questions about Prieto’s publication, the most important of which was: “Who takes responsibility for this attack?”

Understanding the controversy surrounding Abel Prieto’s tweet

This section addresses frequently asked questions and concerns regarding the recent controversy surrounding Abel Prieto’s tweet, which has been perceived as homophobic and transphobic.

What did Abel Prieto’s controversial tweet say?

Abel Prieto tweeted: “The system promotes false diversity to hide authentic diversity.” It also included images of members of the transgender community and indigenous people.

Why was the tweet considered homophobic and transphobic?

The tweet was deemed homophobic and transphobic as it criticized the trans community and suggested that their representation was part of a false narrative about diversity.

How did activists respond to Prieto’s tweet?

Activists like Yadiel Cepero and Dennis Valdés Pilar condemned Prieto’s tweet, shared screenshots and demanded accountability and recognition of institutionalized homophobia and transphobia.

What was the meaning of the images used in the tweet?

The images were significant because they juxtaposed members of the transgender community, whom Prieto criticized, with indigenous people, whom he praised, suggesting a negative comparison.