The heartbreaking death of a young Cuban trans woman, following the injection of industrial silicone during an illicit cosmetic procedure in Havana, has deeply affected her family. They are calling for justice to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
Known affectionately as Popó, the young woman from Matanzas passed away on December 18 after spending 11 days hospitalized at the Faustino Pérez Hospital. Her death was caused by a pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest triggered by the injected substance, as relatives shared with CiberCuba.
A cousin, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Popó purchased a product identified as liquid silicone in the capital and arranged for someone to inject it into her buttocks.
The individual who performed the procedure has not yet been identified, prompting pleas for authorities to investigate and hold the responsible party accountable, aiming to prevent further loss of life due to unsupervised cosmetic surgeries.
"She was injected with an industrial product in her buttocks, called liquid silicone; this happened in Havana, and we have no answers, no one to hold accountable... We don’t know who it is," the cousin emphasized.
The family provided CiberCuba with photos of a one-liter bottle of Silicona 350 CP, a product manufactured for industrial use, not medical. The bottle's label indicates its application for technical lubrication, as a defoamer in electrical and electronic equipment, additives for plastics, and polishing, but never for human use. The manufacturer warns that "in case of exposure," medical attention is required.
"This product is being sold in Havana for clandestine cosmetic surgeries," Popó's cousin cautioned.
She described the devastating impact the substance had on Popó's body, leading to her death. "This liquid caused a blood clot in her lung... By the fourth day, she was at Matanzas' Faustino Pérez Hospital, with a lung complication, coughing up blood, struggling to breathe, and was admitted to intermediate care. She was there for nearly nine days, until she suffered a pulmonary hemorrhage and was moved to intensive care, where she lasted two more days, spending a total of 11 days hospitalized. Her lungs failed, and finally, her heart stopped," she lamented.
"Her family demands justice; we need to know who did this so that other lives aren't endangered, please help me," she pleaded.
"We want justice because we know this procedure is still being done in Havana for trans women, and we don't want anyone else to die," declared the relative of the deceased woman.
Popó's death has deeply shaken the Cuban LGBTI community, particularly trans individuals, who join her family in demanding justice.
"The death of Popó in Matanzas highlights the violence against trans women and the lack of healthcare access in Cuba. But also, the person who performed the cosmetic treatment is to blame... justice is needed," demanded Mónica King, an LGBTI rights activist.
Understanding the Dangers of Illegal Cosmetic Procedures
What caused the death of the young Cuban trans woman?
The young Cuban trans woman died from a pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest caused by the injection of industrial silicone during an illegal cosmetic procedure.
Why is there a call for justice in this case?
Her family and the LGBTI community are demanding justice to prevent further deaths from unsanctioned cosmetic procedures and to hold the responsible parties accountable.
What is Silicona 350 CP used for?
Silicona 350 CP is intended for industrial applications such as technical lubrication, defoaming in electronic equipment, and as an additive for plastics, not for medical or human use.