Thousands Gather in Mexico City to Demand Justice and Honor Influential Magistrate and LGBTQ Rights Campaigner, Jesus Ociel Baena, Found Dead

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Thousands Converge in Mexico City to Demand Justice and Pay Tribute to Influential Magistrate and LGBTQ+ Advocate

Mexico City witnessed a massive gathering of thousands of people as they came together to demand justice and honor Jesus Ociel Baena, Mexico’s first openly nonbinary judge and a prominent campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights. The news of Baena’s untimely demise has sparked widespread protests and calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding their death.

Baena, who preferred they/them pronouns, was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights not only in Mexico but also across Latin America. Their historic appointment as a magistrate last year was hailed as a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Mexico, where they continue to face alarming rates of discrimination and violence.

The lifeless bodies of Baena and another person, identified by local media as their partner, were discovered at their residence in the central city of Aguascalientes on Monday morning. While the Security Minister, Rosa Icela Rodriguez, stated that it was yet to be determined whether the deaths were the result of a homicide or an accident, State prosecutor Jesus Figueroa Ortega revealed that both individuals had sustained injuries from a sharp object. Furthermore, there was no evidence of an intruder at the scene.

Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights emphasized that Baena had previously received threats due to their activism and urged authorities to conduct an unbiased and meticulous investigation. Alejandro Brito, the director of Letra S, an LGBTQ+ rights group, stressed the importance of considering the hate messages and threats of violence and death that Baena had encountered during their life. Such information cannot be disregarded in the ongoing investigation.

A poignant image of the vigil and protest held in memory of Jesus Ociel Baena captures the collective grief and determination of the attendees. The photograph shows individuals lighting candles as they shout, “We won’t stay silent.” The outpouring of support and solidarity reflects the concern among LGBTQ+ advocates that Baena’s death may instill fear or incite further violence against the community.

Brito expressed his apprehension, stating that if Baena’s demise was motivated by prejudice, it is crucial to recognize that such crimes often carry a message. He explained, “The message is an intimidation, it’s to say: ‘This is what could happen to you if you make your identities public.'” The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons in Mexico has documented 305 cases of violent hate crimes targeting sexual minorities from 2019 to 2022, including instances of murder and disappearances.

Baena was renowned for their outspokenness about their gender identity. They successfully championed the use of the gender-neutral noun “maestre” for magistrate, achieving official recognition. In a powerful statement on X in June, Baena wrote, “I am a nonbinary person. I am not interested in being seen as either a woman or a man. This is an identity. It is mine, for me, and nobody else. Accept it.”

The loss of Jesus Ociel Baena is not only a personal tragedy but also a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico and beyond. Their unwavering commitment to fighting for equality and justice serves as a reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead. As the investigation into their death continues, their legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to continue the struggle for a more inclusive and accepting society..