Is Cuba a safe country for the LGBTQi+ community?

Two men sitting in the back seat of a green convertible classic car facing the bay of Havana

Although Cuba is a conservative socialist country, it has stood out among other Caribbean countries by providing more rights to Homosexuals and transgender people.

The island has been undergoing a long process of sexual education that focuses on health rights as well as a legal process of criminalising homophobia and combating discrimination against homosexuals.

I recently interviewed "J" a young homosexual entrepreneur in Havana to get to know the reality of the LGBTQI+ community in Cuba these days.

When did you assume your sexual preference and was it well accepted in your family?

Around the age of 18 I began to accept myself, but I always knew that I was "different". My family took it pretty well.

Not all families are open to it. Others are religious and their beliefs blind them. Others are simply not educated about these issues .... I know people who have had to leave their home, others who have to stay for economic reasons and live with their families who do not accept or respect them.

What is life like for a young gay man in Havana?

I am 30 years old and have lived many stages of "the gay life" in this city. Ten years ago there were only hidden meeting places, very few places were openly gay friendly, now there are many more (gays spend a lot on parties). But this does not mean that we are more accepted, the population still has taboos about our community, if you are more or less masculine, you are more or less accepted. 

The trans community is very discriminated against from my point of view (even by LGBTQI+ members). Prostitution is very common, especially among young gay men. 

I have friends who have been victims of assault and disrespect on the street, including by the police.

We have had some progress, but it is not enough in my opinion.

Now I am at an age where I think about starting a family and equal marriage is not yet legal (and I don't know if it will be at some point). I live calmly; I work, I have a place to live, I have many friends and enough places to go.

Did growing up in a conservative socialist country affect you at some point despite the fact that there was already a government law against homophobia and that promotes sexual orientation through education?

Of course!!!! Who hasn't? I suffered discrimination at school, I have lived it on the street; people have yelled things at me. Today all of that matters little to me, but in my adolescence it was quite problematic.

LGBTQ Pride Parade in Havana - 2018

Today the LGBTQI+ community in Cuba is enjoying some achievements, such as the gender reassignment surgery and the gay pride parade, despite being banned last year. Do you participate, do you have something for or against, what is your opinion?

Yes I participate! I've been doing it for about 5 years. It is beautiful to see so many people gathered for the same cause, some only go for the party, but in my opinion the visibility that we are given (although it is very little) is good!

The march against homophobia and transphobia is organized by a State Entity (CENESEX) and therefore very controlled.

Even these activities are not promoted enough. Announcements are made but they are not televised. We are still very poorly represented in the media.

As for the other part (surgery) I'm not too sure, but I know that very few operations are done a year.

However, I repeat, the Trans community is very segregated. There is no education about it, little information is provided to society!

Is Cuba a safe country for the LGBTQi+ community?

I think so. The LGBTI community today is much more visible and active. There is discrimination but I do not hear of many acts of violence, although they do exist.

Could the LGBTQi+ tourists be open with Cubans about their sexuality during their trip?

Cubans are especially friendly with tourists! I don't think they'll have any problem. Also if they go to the right places, with the right people they will have wonderful experiences.

When is the best time to visit Cuba?

Hahaha Cuba has parties and beach all year round! But my friends and clients tend to prefer the less hot months ... summer in Cuba can be problematic for those who do not like heat.

In your opinion, what are the best places where you can have fun in Havana?

Right now there are many bars and clubs that schedule one or two nights a week for a "diverse" audience, although the parties can be a bit repetitive; there is almost always a drag show. 

I really like the Pazillo bar, it is very quiet and the atmosphere is good for talking and interacting. 

To dance there is the Cafe Cantante Mi Habana. 

The gay beach "Mi Cayito" is very popular with Cubans and tourists.

There are many private guesthouses in Cuba that are openly welcoming to LGBTI+ guests such as La Gargola in Havana.

There are also LGBTI+ friendly travel companies such as Cuban Adventures and OUT Adventures. 

What is your expectation for the future?

I don't expect much. I want to make a family, probably get married and live in peace.

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Cuba like any other country has its diversity of people and culture. 

Thankfully, the island is a safe country in general, the Cubans have been learning in slow steps to respect the diversity of genres. Evidently, laws that punish any act of homophobia or transphobia accelerate the positive change in society.