LGBTQ+ Advocate Jesús Ociel Baena’s Tragic Passing Sparks Outcry in Mexico

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The Loss of a Trailblazing Non-Binary Magistrate Reverberates Across Mexico’s LGBTQ+ Community.

Mexico mourns the devastating loss of Jesús Ociel Baena, a prominent non-binary magistrate and LGBTQ+ advocate, whose sudden death has sent shockwaves through the nation’s queer community. Baena’s vibrant presence in Mexico’s electoral courtrooms, classrooms, and on social media made them a beacon of visibility and strength for many.

Baena, who used they/their pronouns, was found deceased at home along with another person, identified as Baena’s partner. The government’s initial assertion of a “personal matter” as the cause of death has been met with skepticism and outrage from LGBTQ+ Mexicans who believe Baena’s passing is rooted in the hate, discrimination, and violence routinely faced by the community.

Thousands took to the streets in Mexico City and other cities, demanding justice and rejecting the official narrative. Rainbow, trans, and non-binary flags waved alongside hand-painted drawings of Baena with their iconic rainbow hand fan, symbolizing resilience and defiance.

As a magistrate at the Aguascalientes State Electoral Institute and a professor at the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Baena was a trailblazer, challenging linguistic norms by adopting non-gendered language. In October 2022, they became the first person in Mexico and Latin America to be granted a non-binary magistrate title. In May 2023, Baena received the country’s first non-binary passport, and just weeks ago, they were honored as the first “maestre,” a non-gendered professor in electoral law.

Thousands marched in Mexico's capital Monday night demanding justice for Jesús Ociel Baena, an influential LGBTQ+ figure and the first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial post in Mexico, who was found dead at home after receiving death threats.https://t.co/AY6cKpdt95

— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 14, 2023

Enrique Torre Molina, LGBTQ+ activist and co-founder of Colmena 41, highlighted Baena’s role as a tangible symbol of progress but expressed concern about the broader support from the government. Molina emphasized that the LGBTQ+ community deserves stronger backing from the highest levels of government.

Baena’s visibility on social media made them a target for hate messages and threats, according to Alejandro Brito, director of LGBTQ+ rights group Letra S. Baena’s death adds to a concerning trend, with 453 documented murders in the LGBTQ+ community from 2018-2022, and trans individuals being frequent victims.

Letra S urged authorities to consider the context of Baena’s visibility in their investigation. Supporters and Baena’s family have received threats, underscoring the urgent need for a thorough and unbiased inquiry.

The LGBTQ+ community in Mexico mourns the loss of a cherished advocate and demands justice for Jesús Ociel Baena.