Ava Osorio, Managing Editor
December 5, 2023
On October 1st, 2022 Jesús Ociel Baena Saucedo became Mexico’s first openly non-binary (did not identify as a woman or a male) magistrate. Baena marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights. They had consistently explained to their supporters why they felt this was so important.
“I want to send the message that the LGBTQ population can access these spaces, that there is a possibility, that we have people with enough of a profile that with their own merits can access these spaces where decisions are made” (CNN)
Mexico has long been considered a country not safe for members of the LGBTQ community, however, in recent years thanks to the efforts of those like Baena Mexico has been opening its minds. An example is how same-sex marriage was recently legalized in Mexico on December 31st, 2022.
This is why on November 13, 2023, when Baena was found dead in their house with their romantic partner, everyone suspected the motive being an anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime. According to Mexico’s Security Minister as of right now, we do not have a cause of death nor motive for Baena. Investigators have not found any trace of blood or any suspicion of a third party being present at the murder. However, investigators did find a cutting instrument at the scene of the bodies.