Mariela Castro Responds: Calls Yoani a "Cocky Hen"

Gallita / "Cocky hen"
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.

In his flowery apron, my husband Reinaldo laughs 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. The ones with so little experience in debate that at the slightest disagreement they jump up and let feathers fly, wounding all around. They become upset and end up sticking out their tongues and we see -- inside -- the ugly entrails of intolerance, which they work so hard these days to hide.

This post can be read on Yoani's blog, Generation Y, available here in its English Translation from the original Spanish.

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