Prominent LGBTQ Activist and Mexico's First Openly Non-Binary Magistrate, Jesús Baena Saucedo, Discovered Deceased at Home

Jesús Ociel Baena Saucedo, a groundbreaking figure as Mexico's first openly non-binary electoral magistrate and a prominent LGBTQ activist, was tragically discovered dead at their home in Aguascalientes this week. 

Reports from local officials indicated that the 39-year-old Baena Saucedo and their presumed partner were found on Monday morning, with both having wounds believed to be inflicted by a knife or another sharp object.

Despite initial speculations, Mexican authorities, including State Prosecutor Jesús Figueroa Ortega, have stated that foul play is not suspected at this time. Notably, they ruled out the presence of a third person at the scene. Although it was mentioned that one of the victims had a "cutting instrument," the deaths are not currently considered a crime.

Jesús Baena Saucedo made history in October 2022 when they became the first non-binary person to assume the role of magistrate for the Aguascalientes state electoral court. 

Earlier in the same year, they were among the first in Mexico to receive a gender-neutral passport. In a statement last year, Baena Saucedo expressed their commitment to breaking barriers and promoting LGBTQ representation in influential spaces.

The circumstances surrounding Baena Saucedo's death remain unclear, with conflicting statements from different sources. 

While State Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez mentioned uncertainties about whether it was a homicide or an accident, the National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons reported that Baena Saucedo had received hate messages, threats of violence, and death.

In recognition of their identity, Baena Saucedo was acknowledged as "maestre" by the electoral court shortly before their passing—an inclusive term beyond traditional gender labels. The activist frequently used social media to share their advocacy, openly expressing their non-binary identity and challenging societal norms.

The news of Baena Saucedo's death prompted thousands of LGBTQ activists to take to the streets in Mexico City, demanding a thorough investigation by authorities. 

Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ rights group Letra S., emphasized that the magistrate had faced hate messages and threats, highlighting the challenges faced by the non-binary community in Mexico.

Despite the strides made in LGBTQ rights, including the legalization of same-sex marriage across all 32 states in 2022, the persistent issue of anti-LGBTQ violence remains prevalent. 

The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons reported 305 violent hate crimes against "sexual minorities" from 2019 to 2022, underscoring the ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ community in Mexico.

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