Demanding Justice for Jesús Ociel Baena: LGBTQ+ Figure Found Dead in Mexico City

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Mexico City — Thousands of people took to the streets of Mexico’s capital on Monday night to demand justice for Jesús Ociel Baena, a prominent LGBTQ+ figure who was found dead in his home in the central city of Aguascalientes. Baena, who had received death threats, was the first openly nonbinary person to hold a judicial post in Mexico, serving as a magistrate in the Aguascalientes state electoral court. His death has highlighted the ongoing violence faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.

According to the state prosecutor’s office, Baena was discovered dead on Monday morning alongside another individual, identified as his partner, Dorian Herrera, by local media and LGBTQ+ rights groups. Both individuals exhibited injuries consistent with a knife or sharp object. State prosecutor Jesús Figueroa Ortega stated at a news conference that there were no indications of a third party at the crime scene, dismissing suggestions of foul play. However, LGBTQ+ groups have expressed outrage, viewing the authorities’ handling of the case as an attempt to downplay violence against their community.

Federal Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez stated that investigations into the deaths were ongoing and that it remained unclear whether it was a homicide or an accident. LGBTQ+ rights groups have emphasized the need for Baena’s social media presence to be taken into account during the investigation. Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S, stated that Baena had received numerous hate messages and death threats, which cannot be ignored in the investigation. Thousands of people gathered in Mexico City, lighting candles and demanding justice for Baena and other victims of anti-LGBTQ+ violence.

Baena’s visibility on social media played a significant role in their advocacy work, making them a target for hate and threats. As the first nonbinary person in Latin America to hold a judicial position, Baena broke barriers and inspired many. In May, Baena was among the first individuals in Mexico to receive a passport listing their gender as nonbinary. Baena’s social media posts and videos garnered a large following, with their advocacy for acceptance and gender identity drawing attention.

Despite progress in reducing anti-LGBTQ+ violence in Mexico, incidents of violence still persist. Letra S documented at least 117 cases of LGBTQ+ individuals being killed, often in brutal and public ways. The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons in Mexico reported 305 violent hate crimes against sexual minorities between 2019 and 2022, including murder and disappearances. Baena’s death has raised concerns that it could lead to further violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

Nish López, a nonbinary Mexican who came out in response to Baena’s inspiration, expressed their determination to carry on Baena’s legacy. López stated that they were not afraid but angry, and their presence at the demonstration aimed to make themselves visible. The demand for justice for Baena and an end to anti-LGBTQ+ violence resonated throughout the crowd, with chants of “Justice” and “We won’t stay silent” echoing through the streets of Mexico City.

As investigations into Baena’s death continue, it is crucial for authorities to address the violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community and ensure that justice is served. The tragic loss of Baena serves as a reminder of the progress that still needs to be made in achieving equality and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation..