U.S. State Department authorizes Mariela Castro to attend Equality Forum 2013 in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. State Department lifted its travel ban on Mariela Castro and has authorized Ms. Castro to visit Philadelphia to participate in Equality Forum 2013, a national and international LGBT civil rights summit with Cuba as the featured nation.

Mariela Castro, daughter of Cuban President Raul Castro, accepted being a panelist on the Cuba: Featured Nation Panel and being the recipient of the International Ally for LGBT Equality Award at the International Equality Dinner at Equality Forum 2013.

“Equality Forum is delighted that the State Department has affirmed democratic values by authorizing Mariela Castro to speak at Equality Forum 2013,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum. “Equality Forum 2013 is an open forum which will include a discussion of the history, progress and challenges of LGBT Cubans.”

Ms. Castro, Director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), is the leading advocate for LGBT equality in Cuba. Ms. Castro is married and the mother of three children. She serves on international committees involving sexual issues and has published 13 scholarly articles and nine books.

Equality Forum 2013 from May 2 to 5 in Philadelphia has more than 30 programs including panels with national and international leaders.

Equality Forum is a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Equality Forum coordinates LGBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents the premier annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit.