December 17, 2008

Gallita - Female Cock

By Yoani Sanchez

gallito_a.jpg

A curious end of the year in which the surprises accumulate, Christmas trees return and sexologists start to use the language of the machistas [macho women]. Mariela Castro has called me gallita [female cock] and, in her language as a specialist in gender and sexuality, the word has homophobic connotations. Perhaps because I am ignorant about the terms of her specialty, I fail to understand what she wanted to tell me by saddling me with a masculine role in a feminine noun; yes, in the case of grammar I can boast about knowing something. Does she believe that I do the work of a man because I demand rights and claim respect for political preferences? I don’t see the feathers on my tail but, if to be a very delicate hen I must accept that a group of septuagenarians—all men—decide every aspect of my life, then I’m inclined to transvestism and will cock-a-doodle-doo like the rooster with the most hormones in the barnyard.

Reinaldo laughs from his flowery apron and confirms that yes, I’m a “cocky hen” with sharpened spurs. I agree with the prestigious specialist that I am “insignificant,” an anonymous hen who, with her cheep cheep, has managed to inconvenience the fine fighting cocks. Those who are so little trained in debate that at the slightest disagreement they end up losing feathers, wounding all sides. They are uncomfortable and end up sticking out their tongues and—from the back—we see the ugly entrails of intolerance, which they use so much these days for disguise.

This was originally written and published in Spanish by Yoani Sanchez and translated and posted in her English version blog. Since the castro regime continues to curtail her internet access and continues to block access to her blog and other internet sites in and out of Cuba, we are posting Yoani's work in its entirety in solidarity and to help promote and distribute same.

Posted by Val Prieto at December 17, 2008 02:59 PM

Comments

WOW. Powerful!

Posted by: Cigar Mike Pancier [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 17, 2008 03:29 PM

Ouch.

Posted by: jsb [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 18, 2008 09:12 AM


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