Mexico’s first openly non-binary magistrate and LGBTQ activist, Jesús Ociel Baena Saucedo, was found dead in their home in Aguascalientes. Their romantic partner was also found dead. The cause of death is unknown, and authorities have not found evidence of foul play. The case will be investigated from a gender perspective. ABC17NEWS reported
Mexico’s First Openly Non-Binary Magistrate and LGBTQ Activist Found Dead at Home
Tragic Discovery in Aguascalientes
In a heartbreaking incident, Jesús Ociel Baena Saucedo, Mexico’s first openly non-binary magistrate and a prominent LGBTQ activist, was found dead at their home in the central state of Aguascalientes. Accompanying Baena’s lifeless body was their romantic partner, also deceased. The authorities in Aguascalientes, located nearly 500 kilometers northwest of the capital city, confirmed the devastating news.
Cause of Death and Investigation
Mexico’s Security Minister, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, stated that the cause of death remains unknown at this point. Meanwhile, Aguascalientes’ Attorney General, Jesús Figueroa, mentioned that there is currently no evidence of foul play. A thorough investigation will be conducted, as confirmed by Rodríguez during President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s daily press conference.
Initial findings from the prosecutor’s office indicate that no traces of blood were found outside the crime scene, and there was no damage to the accessways of the home. Furthermore, they are ruling out the involvement of a third person in the deaths. The office also revealed that one of the deceased individuals was found holding a cutting instrument. Despite Baena’s non-binary identity, there was no immediate mention of the deaths potentially being a hate crime. However, Figueroa emphasized that the case would be investigated from a gender perspective.
A Trailblazer for LGBTQ Rights
Prior to this tragedy, Baena served as a member of the Electoral Tribunal in the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes for over a year. In an interview with CNN en Español last year, Baena expressed pride in being the first non-binary magistrate in Latin America. They believed that their achievement and recognition were the result of years of dedicated work for LGBTQ rights. Baena aimed to inspire others from the LGBTQ community to pursue similar opportunities and gain representation in decision-making spaces.
Progress and Challenges for LGBTQ Rights in Latin America
While significant progress has been made in Latin America regarding marriage equality, LGBTQ+ activists and gender minorities continue to face high levels of violence and discrimination, particularly from social and religious conservatives. The legal recognition of same-sex marriage in all 32 states of Mexico was achieved in 2022 when Tamaulipas became the last state to authorize such unions.
Despite the challenges, Mexico’s Guadalajara city recently co-hosted the Gay Games alongside Hong Kong, marking a historic moment for both continents. This gender-inclusive sporting event faced opposition from conservative politicians but ultimately served as a platform to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
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