Prominent LGBTQ Activist and Mexico's First Openly Non-Binary Magistrate Found Deceased

Mexican LGBTQ activist Jesús Ociel Baena Saucedo, the country's pioneering non-binary magistrate, was discovered dead at their residence in the central state of Aguascalientes. Authorities in Aguascalientes confirmed that a second individual, who was believed to be Baena's romantic partner, was also found deceased in the shared home. Aguascalientes is located approximately 500 kilometers (300 miles) northwest of the capital city.

During President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's daily press conference on Monday, Mexico's Security Minister, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, mentioned that the cause of death is currently unknown. Meanwhile, Jesús Figueroa, the Attorney General of Aguascalientes, stated that there is no evidence suggesting foul play at the moment. Rodríguez assured that the investigation will be conducted.

According to the prosecutors, initial investigations suggest that there were no bloodstains detected beyond the crime scene, no signs of damage in the home's entrance areas, and they are dismissing the possibility of another individual being involved in the deaths. They further revealed that one of the deceased was discovered holding a cutting tool. Inclusive of a gender perspective, Figueroa stated that Baena's case would be thoroughly examined, yet no implication of the deaths being connected to a hate crime was mentioned.

Baena served as a member of the Electoral Tribunal for the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes for slightly over a year.

In October of last year, Baena informed CNN en Español that there had been no previous instances in Latin America of a non-binary magistrate. They stated that being the inaugural non-binary magistrate was not only an accomplishment, but also a testament to their many years of advocacy for LGBTQ rights.

Baena expressed the desire to convey that the LGBTQ community can access these spaces, highlighting the possibility that individuals with significant achievements can participate in decision-making processes. Despite significant advancements in marriage equality in Latin America, LGBTQ+ activists and gender minorities are still subjected to substantial levels of violence and discrimination perpetrated by conservative social and religious groups.

Same-sex marriage was legalized in all 32 states of Mexico when Tamaulipas became the final state to approve such unions in 2022. In a significant milestone, Guadalajara, Mexico's city, co-hosted the Gay Games this month, along with Hong Kong. This marked a groundbreaking moment for both continents as they hosted a gender-inclusive sporting event despite facing opposition from conservative politicians.