Jesús Ociel Baena, the first openly nonbinary person to hold a judicial position in Mexico, was found dead in their home after receiving death threats due to their gender identity. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, with concerns that it may be a hate crime. Baena was a prominent LGBTQ figure in a country where queer communities often face violence. Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ rights group Letra S, emphasized the importance of considering the context of hate messages and threats in the investigation. The Associated Press reported
Jesús Ociel Baena, the first openly nonbinary person to hold a judicial position in Mexico, was tragically found dead in their home in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Baena had been receiving death threats due to their gender identity, which ultimately led to this devastating outcome. The Aguascalientes state prosecutor’s office confirmed that Baena was discovered deceased alongside another individual, believed to be their partner. The victims had visible injuries that appeared to be caused by a knife or sharp object.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Baena’s death and have not determined whether it was a homicide or an accident. However, Mexico has a history of downplaying murder investigations, often labeling them as crimes of passion. This troubling trend raises concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation.
Baena’s visibility on social media played a significant role in making them a target for hate messages and threats of violence and death. Alejandro Brito, the director of the LGBTQ rights group Letra S, emphasized the importance of considering this context during the investigation. Baena was breaking through societal barriers that marginalized the nonbinary community, and their progress was met with backlash and hostility.
As one of the most prominent LGBTQ figures in Mexico, Baena faced significant risks. The queer community in Mexico is frequently subjected to violence, making Baena’s death particularly distressing. In 2019 alone, at least 117 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals were killed in the country, many of them in brutal and public ways.
Baena’s impact extended beyond their judicial position. They made history by becoming the first nonbinary person in Latin America to assume a judicial role. Additionally, Baena was among the first individuals to receive Mexico’s nonbinary passport. They used their platform to promote LGBTQ rights, sharing photos and videos of themselves in court offices, wearing skirts, heels, and proudly displaying a rainbow fan.
Only weeks before their untimely death, Baena was recognized by the electoral court with a certificate acknowledging their gender-neutral pronouns. This recognition marked a significant step towards inclusivity in a language, Spanish, that traditionally relies on gender distinctions.
Brito expressed concern that Baena’s death could further incite violence against queer communities. He emphasized that crimes motivated by prejudice often aim to send a message of intimidation. By targeting prominent LGBTQ figures like Baena, perpetrators seek to deter others from openly embracing their identities.
The tragic loss of Baena serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Mexico. While progress has been made in recent decades, the rise in anti-LGBTQ violence in 2019 is a troubling setback. It is crucial for authorities to thoroughly investigate Baena’s death, address the underlying prejudices, and take steps to protect vulnerable communities from further harm..