Thousands of protesters in Mexico City demand justice for Jesús Ociel Baena, an LGBTQ+ figure found dead after receiving death threats. Baena, the first openly nonbinary person in Mexico to hold a judicial post, was found dead alongside their partner. LGBTQ+ groups reject claims that it was a suicide and call for a thorough investigation. Baena’s visibility on social media made them a target, and their death could provoke further violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. kuow.org reported
Thousands of people took to the streets of Mexico City on Monday night to demand justice for Jesús Ociel Baena, an influential LGBTQ+ figure who was found dead at home in Aguascalientes after receiving death threats. Baena, who was the first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial post in Mexico, was a magistrate in the Aguascalientes state electoral court and had made significant strides for LGBTQ+ rights in a country where violence against the community is prevalent.
The state prosecutor’s office confirmed that Baena was found dead alongside another person, identified as Baena’s partner, Dorian Herrera. Both individuals displayed injuries believed to have been caused by a knife or sharp object. The state prosecutor, Jesús Figueroa Ortega, stated that there were no signs of a third person at the scene of the crime.
The suggestion that suicide was a possibility in the deaths sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ groups, who saw it as another attempt by authorities to downplay violence against their community. Baena’s acquaintances described the magistrate as optimistic and passionate about the future in recent weeks.
Federal Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez stated that authorities were investigating the deaths and that it was unclear whether it was a homicide or an accident. In Mexico, some homicides have been quickly dismissed by authorities as crimes of passion.
Alejandro Brito, director of LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S, highlighted Baena’s visibility on social media as a reason for being targeted and urged authorities to consider this in their investigation. Thousands of people gathered in Mexico City to honor Baena and other victims of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, demanding a thorough investigation into the deaths.
Among the protesters was Nish López, who came out as nonbinary in March and was inspired by Baena. Baena, who became a magistrate in October 2022, was believed to be the first nonbinary person in Latin America to assume a judicial position. Baena also received one of Mexico’s first passports listing the holder as nonbinary.
Baena had a strong presence on social media, regularly sharing photos and videos advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. While Mexico has made progress in reducing anti-LGBTQ+ violence, Letra S documented at least 117 cases of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, including brutal murders.
Brito expressed concern that Baena’s death could lead to further violence against the LGBTQ+ community, as crimes motivated by prejudice often aim to intimidate and send a message.
Despite the fear, López and many others in the crowd were determined to carry on Baena’s legacy..