Prominent LGBTQ Activist Ociel Baena Found Dead in Mexico, Investigation Underway

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Mexico’s First Openly Non-Binary Magistrate Found Dead at Home in Aguascalientes

MONTERREY, Mexico, Nov 13 (Reuters) – In a tragic turn of events, Ociel Baena, Mexico’s first openly non-binary magistrate and a prominent LGBTQ activist, was discovered dead at their home in the central state of Aguascalientes, Mexican authorities reported on Monday.

Baena, who preferred they/them pronouns, garnered widespread recognition across Latin America for their tireless efforts in advancing the rights of the LGBTQ community.

Mexico’s Security Minister, Rosa Icela Rodriguez, stated that authorities are currently investigating the cause of Baena’s untimely demise. “We don’t know yet… if it was a homicide or if it was some kind of accident,” she revealed during the president’s regular morning press conference.

Baena made history in October 2022 when they were sworn in as a magistrate on the Aguascalientes state electoral tribunal. The ceremony, captured in a photo shared on social media, depicted Baena standing proudly in front of the rainbow LGBTQ flag, symbolizing their commitment to equality.

The Aguascalientes state prosecutor’s office released a statement indicating that Baena’s lifeless body was found alongside another individual, identified by local media as Baena’s partner. Preliminary findings suggest that there was no evidence of a third party at the scene, leading authorities to consider the possibility that the deaths may be linked to a personal matter.

To determine the exact cause of death, a forensic analysis is currently underway, as announced by the office of the state prosecutor.

In honor of Baena’s legacy, LGBTQ activists have organized vigils and demonstrations in Aguascalientes, Mexico City, Monterrey, and other major cities. These events aim to celebrate Baena’s influential work and to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights.

Human rights organizations are also calling for a thorough investigation into whether Baena’s death was related to their gender identity. The tragic loss of Baena has sparked concerns about the safety and well-being of LGBTQ individuals in Mexico.

Arturo Zaldivar, the former chief justice of Mexico’s Supreme Court, expressed his deep sorrow over Baena’s passing. In a heartfelt social media post, Zaldivar declared, “We lost a strong voice for equality and the rights of LGBTI+ people.”

The news of Baena’s death has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ community and beyond, emphasizing the urgent need to address violence and discrimination against individuals based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

As authorities continue their investigation, the true circumstances surrounding Baena’s death remain unknown. Mexico, like many other countries, still faces significant challenges in ensuring the safety and equal treatment of LGBTQ individuals. The loss of Baena serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in achieving true equality for all.

Reporting by Laura Gottesdiener and Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by David Gregorio

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