LGBTQ+
RIGHTS
IN CUBA
Homosexual Activity: Legal
Discrimination: Illegal
Same-sex Marriage: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
LGBT Discrimination: Gays and Lesbians are protected in most contexts; transgender people are not protected in most contexts
Cuba has made significant progress in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. Mariela Castro, daughter of Raul Castro, has been a long-standing and outspoken LGBT ally. And in September 2018, President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed great support for same-sex marriage.
Despite these advances, LGBTQ+ people in Cuba still face challenges. Discrimination and harassment remain pervasive, particularly outside of major cities. Transgender individuals in particular face significant obstacles, including difficulties in accessing healthcare and employment discrimination. Additionally, there is a lack of legal protections for gender identity, and some LGBTQ+ people still experience violence and harassment.
Overall, while there is still work to be done, the progress that has been made on LGBTQ+ rights in Cuba is encouraging, and there is hope that the country will continue to move towards greater equality and acceptance for all its citizens.
Here is a brief history of LGBTQ+ rights in Cuba:
Forces Labor Camps
Homosexuality is criminalized and persecuted in Cuba.
Castro rounded up gay people and sent them to Military Units to Aid Production (UMAP), forced labor camps for those suspected of “improper conduct.” Cubans with effeminate mannerisms, what Castro called “extravagant behavior,” were interned.
Many LGBTQ+ people are forced into hiding or flee the country.
Homosexuality Decriminalized
The Cuban government partially decriminalized homosexuality
AIDS epidemic hits Cuba
he AIDS epidemic hits Cuba and prompts a shift in the government’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights.
The National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) is founded by Mariela Castro, the daughter of former president Raul Castro. CENESEX begins to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and provide education and support to the LGBTQ+ community.
Fresa & Choclate
In 1993, the release of the Oscar-nominated gay Cuban film Fresa & Choclate (the conflicted relationship between a committed Marxist student & a flamboyantly gay artist) raised a national debate about gay life in Cuba.
Gender reassignment surgery
The government provides free gender reassignment surgery under the national healthcare system.
Gay Pride Parade
The first gay pride parade took place along calle 23 in Havana and then ever since May 17 has been honored as the National Day Against Homophobia.
Same-sex Marriage Legalized
Cuban government recognizes same-sex marriage.
First LGBT 18+ Hotel Opens
State-run Grupo Hotelero Gaviota in partnership with Muthu Hotels chain opens the Gran Muthu Rainbow Hotel located in Cayo Guillermo, a tropical island off the coast of central Cuba.