The first openly nonbinary person to hold a judicial position in Mexico, Jesús Ociel Baena, was found dead in their home after receiving death threats. The cause of death is still under investigation. Baena was a prominent LGBTQ+ figure and had been targeted with hate messages and threats. Their visibility on social media may have made them a target. The death raises concerns about the safety of queer communities in Mexico. Associated Press reported
The first openly nonbinary person to hold a judicial position in Mexico was found dead in their home in Aguascalientes. Jesús Ociel Baena had received death threats due to their gender identity. The state prosecutor’s office confirmed Baena’s death and stated that they were found alongside another person, believed to be their partner. The victims had injuries that appeared to be caused by a sharp object. Authorities are investigating whether the death was a homicide or an accident. Baena was a prominent LGBTQ+ figure in Mexico and had already received death threats prior to their death. They made history by assuming a judicial position and being issued Mexico’s first nonbinary passport. Baena’s visibility on social media made them a target, and LGBTQ+ rights groups are urging authorities to consider this context in their investigation. Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S, expressed concern that Baena’s death could lead to further violence against queer communities..
The first openly nonbinary person to hold a judicial position in Mexico, Jesús Ociel Baena, was tragically found dead in their home in Aguascalientes. Baena had been receiving death threats due to their gender identity. The Aguascalientes state prosecutor’s office confirmed that Baena was discovered deceased alongside their partner. The state prosecutor stated that the victims had injuries consistent with a knife or sharp object. Mexico Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez mentioned that the investigation was ongoing and it was unclear whether the death was a homicide or an accident. Alejandro Brito, the director of LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S, emphasized that Baena had been targeted due to their visibility on social media and urged authorities to consider this context in their investigation. Baena was a prominent LGBTQ+ figure in Mexico and had already received death threats. They made history in October 2022 as the first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial position in Latin America. Baena frequently shared photos and videos of themselves in court offices, wearing skirts and heels, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights on social media. Despite progress in reducing anti-LGBTQ+ violence in Mexico, there has been an increase in violence targeting queer communities, and there are concerns that Baena’s death could lead to further acts of violence..