In a devastating turn of events, Mexico’s trailblazing non-binary magistrate and LGBTQ champion, Jesús Ociel Baena Saucedo, was discovered deceased at home in Aguascalientes on Monday.Authorities reported the tragic incident, revealing that Baena’s romantic partner was also found lifeless in their shared residence in the central state, nearly 300 miles northwest of the capital.
The cause of death remains unknown, according to Mexico’s Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez, and Aguascalientes’ Attorney General Jesús Figueroa has stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play.During President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s daily press conference, Rodríguez assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the tragic incident.
Preliminary findings indicate no signs of blood outside the crime scene, no damage to home accessways, and no indication of a third person’s involvement. The prosecutor’s office noted that one of the lifeless bodies was found holding a cutting instrument.Considering Baena’s identification as a non-binary individual, Figueroa emphasized that the investigation would be approached from a gender perspective, though hate crime connections were not mentioned.
Baena, who served on Aguascalientes’ Electoral Tribunal for over a year, made history as Latin America’s first non-binary magistrate. In an interview with CNN en Español last October, Baena expressed pride in breaking barriers and emphasized the importance of LGBTQ representation in decision-making spaces.
Despite strides in marriage equality, LGBTQ activists and gender minorities in Latin America still face alarming levels of violence and discrimination from conservative social and religious factions.As Mexico grieves the loss of a pioneering advocate, the tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, even in the midst of advancements such as the recent legalization of same-sex marriage across all 32 states.
In a poignant moment for LGBTQ inclusivity, Mexico’s Guadalajara city co-hosted the Gay Games this month, a historic event for both continents despite facing opposition from conservative politicians.
