cuba gay travel

LGBT Rights in Cuba: Everything You Should Know Before You Visit! 🇨🇺

Posted on Last updated: December 3, 2023

Categories LGBTQ+ Rights , Cuba

Cecilia Miller is a lesbian love warrior and educator fighting for queer justice and ensuring every shade of the rainbow shines bright & bold!

As Cuba takes significant strides toward advancing LGBT rights, this Caribbean nation emerges as a forerunner in promoting acceptance and inclusivity. Among the most progressive nations in Latin America, Cuba made history in 2022 when it held a national referendum, resulting in the legalization of same-sex marriage, paving the way for further advancements in the rights of both locals and tourists alike.

This exciting development showcases the nation’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive environment.

While it is clear that the situation for LGBT individuals in Cuba has made considerable progress, travelers and locals should remain cautious and vigilant, as changes in legislation and public sentiment can happen rapidly, and bad actors may still be present. To ensure one’s safety and enjoyment while exploring this vibrant country, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest local news and information on LGBT rights.

For those seeking support and resources, numerous LGBT advocacy groups work tirelessly in Cuba to promote equality and provide assistance to the community. Connecting with these organizations can offer invaluable guidance, resources, and camaraderie for both locals and visitors navigating their experiences in Cuba.

As the landscape of LGBT rights in the country evolves, remember that staying informed and engaged is key for everyone to enjoy the rich culture and warm hospitality for which Cuba is known.

History Of LGBT Rights In Cuba

In pre-revolutionary Cuba, the LGBT community faced significant intolerance due to the emphasis on traditional heteronormativity. Legislation such as the Public Ostentation Law in the 1930s encouraged harassment towards those who didn’t hide their orientation, aligning Cuba’s treatment of the LGBT community with that of the rest of Latin America.

However, a shift in the Cuban government’s treatment of the LGBT community began in 1979 when homosexuality was decriminalized in the Cuban penal code. This marked the end of a dark period, and since then, progress has continued. In 2008, the government passed a law allowing state-funded gender reassignment surgery and hormone treatment for transgender individuals, and in 2013, anti-gay discrimination in the workplace was banned.

The situation for local LGBT individuals versus tourists varies. While locals have experienced historical persecution and are currently gaining rights, LGBT tourists might face different challenges. It is essential for tourists to be aware that the situation can change quickly, and information can become outdated. Always seek current advice before traveling, and remember, bad actors exist in every country, so remain vigilant.

To protect oneself, it’s crucial to err on the side of caution and connect with relevant LGBT advocacy groups, such as the Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) . Staying informed and aware of your rights while visiting the country is an essential step to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Remember, situations may change rapidly, so make sure to stay updated and consult current resources to navigate the exciting journey of LGBT rights in Cuba.

The LGBT Legal Situation In Cuba

Cuba has made significant strides in recent years regarding LGBT rights. In 2022, the country voted to legalize same-sex marriage through a national referendum, making it one of the most progressive Latin American countries in terms of family law. This updated Family Code also includes provisions for same-sex adoption, non-commercial surrogacy, and protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

For both locals and tourists, these legal changes signify a shift in societal attitudes. However, it is essential to remain cautious and vigilant, as bad actors can exist in any country. Situations may evolve rapidly, and information may quickly become outdated. Before traveling, always seek current, reliable advice about the local LGBT community and any potential risks.

If visiting Cuba, it’s critical to be aware of steps that could help protect you as a traveler. Stay informed about any local or regional LGBT events, political changes, or social trends that may affect your safety. Look for guidance from reputable sources like government travel advisories, international organizations, and trusted local contacts.

Cuba has several active LGBT advocacy groups, such as the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) and Proyecto Arcoiris , that play crucial roles in promoting acceptance, raising awareness, and providing support for the community. Keeping yourself informed about their activities and recommendations can help you stay knowledgeable and well-prepared for any potential changes in the legal landscape or political environment.

In summary, as an excited globetrotter ready to explore Cuba, it’s crucial to stay informed, cautious, and adaptable. Embrace the advances made in LGBT rights while maintaining vigilance to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

The LGBT Social Situation In Cuba

The social landscape has undergone various changes in Cuba, particularly with respect to the rights of the LGBT community. Following the 2022 Cuban Family Code referendum, the country witnessed legal recognition of marriage and unions between people of the same sex, same-sex adoption, and non-commercial surrogacy, becoming one of the most progressive Family Codes in Latin America.

This remarkable progress has enabled a more inclusive atmosphere not only for locals but also for tourists visiting the beautiful island nation.

However, while the situation has improved, it’s essential to recognize that some challenges still remain, and it’s crucial to remain vigilant. The Cuban government has faced criticism for repressing and punishing dissent and public criticism. To protect oneself from any unforeseen issues, it helps to be well-informed about current local laws and situations and always seek up-to-date advice before traveling.

Because situations can change rapidly, it’s essential to stay connected with local LGBT advocacy groups to access the latest information and gather support if needed. These groups also provide useful resources for travelers to ensure their safety and well-being in the country.

Undoubtedly, Cuba has come a long way in terms of LGBT rights, reflecting its commitment to fostering a more open and welcoming environment for all. Be sure to bask in the vibrant Cuban culture while also keeping your eyes and ears open to the ever-evolving social situation. So travel with excitement and enthusiasm, but always trust your instincts and remain cautious. Happy exploring!

Trans Rights In Cuba

Cuba has made significant progress in terms of LGBT rights and has recently legalized same-sex marriage, which reflects the changing attitudes towards the LGBT community. While this is a major milestone, trans rights still require attention and progress.

Trans individuals in Cuba have experienced the benefits of evolving attitudes and governmental efforts to support the LGBT community. In fact, since 2008, the Cuban government has provided free gender-affirmation surgeries to eligible individuals. This progress can be partially attributed to Mariela Castro- the daughter of President Raúl Castro and a strong advocate for LGBT rights.

However, it is essential to note that there might be differences in how the local population and tourists experience LGBT rights in Cuba. Tourists visiting the island may encounter fewer issues as they mostly stay within their designated tourist areas. On the other hand, local trans individuals might still face challenges in their day-to-day lives, such as employment and housing discrimination.

For travelers visiting Cuba, it is vital to remain vigilant and cautious, as situations can change rapidly, and information might become outdated. Always seek up-to-date advice before traveling to the country. Likewise, keep in mind that bad actors exist everywhere, so remain aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

To help protect the rights of trans individuals in Cuba, consider connecting with and supporting local LGBT advocacy groups, which play a significant role in raising awareness and pushing for policy changes. A well-known organization in Cuba is the National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX), which promotes LGBT rights and provides educational resources.

In conclusion, while there have been exciting advancements in LGBT rights, trans rights in Cuba still have room for improvement. Stay informed and cautious while traveling, and support local LGBT advocacy groups to help foster a more inclusive environment for everyone in the country.

The Future For The Queer Community In Cuba

LGBT rights in Cuba have come a long way since the days of oppression and discrimination. With the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption in 2022, the country has taken significant steps towards inclusivity and progress. This newfound acceptance has sparked excitement among both local LGBT individuals and tourists alike.

However, it is important to remain cautious and vigilant when traveling to Cuba, as situations can change rapidly, and information can become outdated. Be sure to seek current advice on LGBT rights and safety before embarking on your journey.

For local people, the future of LGBT rights in Cuba is decidedly promising. With growing visibility and the backing of key legislation, the country is moving towards becoming an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBT individuals. Communities are gradually becoming more accepting, and Cuba has even been heralded as one of the most progressive nations in Latin America in terms of its Family Code.

Tourists visiting Cuba can enjoy this increasingly open and accepting environment. However, it is crucial to respect local customs and remain aware of potential risks from bad actors. While Cuba has made significant strides in terms of LGBT rights, it is important to remember that prejudices can still exist and ensuring your safety should always be a top priority.

In order to stay informed and protected, it’s recommended to connect with relevant LGBT advocacy groups in the country. These organizations will be able to provide up-to-date information and support should any issues arise during your time in Cuba.

In conclusion, when navigating the future of LGBT rights in Cuba, it is essential to remain excited about the positive changes that have been made while also staying vigilant and informed about current conditions.

Protect Yourself While Travelling In Gay Cuba

As a traveler to Cuba, it’s essential to understand and respect the local LGBT community and their rights. Being aware of these rights can help you protect yourself and ensure a positive, inclusive experience for all.

Legal recognition of same-sex marriage, adoption, and non-commercial surrogacy has made Cuba one of the most progressive countries in Latin America in terms of LGBT rights. However, it’s crucial to stay vigilant, remain cautious, and seek current advice before traveling, as situations can change quickly, and there may be bad actors in every country.

While LGBT rights have significantly improved in recent years, there may still be instances where local attitudes differ from those of tourists. To protect yourself, it’s essential to be sensitive to the cultural context and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to your sexuality or gender identity. Always err on the side of caution and respect the privacy of the local LGBT community.

LGBT rights in Cuba may vary between urban and rural areas, and public displays of affection could be met with different reactions depending on where you are. In general, it’s a good idea to observe the behavior of locals and follow their lead when it comes to expressing affection or discussing LGBT issues. Keep in mind that awareness and acceptance of LGBT rights can vary, even within the same city.

When navigating Cuba as an LGBT traveler, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the country and communicate with individuals from the local community. Seeking advice from relevant LGBT advocacy groups can help you stay updated on current information and resources in the country. These groups can be a valuable source of support and provide you with safety guidelines, cultural nuances, and tips for navigating potential challenges during your trip.

In conclusion, as exciting as it may be to explore the vibrant culture and history of Cuba as an LGBT traveler, it’s vital to stay informed, be cautious, and respect local laws and customs. By doing so, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive experience for yourself and the local LGBT community.

Queer Cuba: The Ultimate Guide For LGBT+ Travellers

Just picking a destination you’d like to visit and traveling there is the norm for most heterosexuals.

However, this is not a privilege that those in the LGBTQ community always have.

Discrimination is something faced daily, and it is no different when it comes to picking a holiday destination. Further research into a country and the values of that destination is usually required to ensure your safety. 

This is why I have put together the ultimate guide for those who would like to experience Queer Cuba.

Throughout this article, we will go through some candid advice on safely traveling around Cuba , which of Havannas’s gay bars and clubs are the best, as well as exploring Santa Clara’s liberal city and Mi Cayito which is Cuba’s Gay Beach. 

History Of Cuba’s Sexual Politics

While it’s true that in the latter years there has been something of a sexual rebellion happening in Cuba, it has not always been this way.

The early years of this battle, have been very difficult for those in the community. In fact members of the LGBTQ community have been treated horrendously for many years in Cuba, with homosexuality being described as ideological diversionism.

And at the beginning of this sexual revolution, many were forcibly moved to work camps. 

Homosexuality was still illegal in Cuba until 1979 and it wasn’t actually recognized as a sexual orientation until 1986.

But while liberalization has been slow and steady in its progress, progress has been made all the same. 

Jump forward just over a decade and the community begins to fight for free gender-reassignment surgery which was happening by 2008. In 2012 the country had its very first transgender politician. 

Fast-forward again to now, and Cuba is a much more welcoming and accepting country than it has ever been. There are yearly gay pride parades that can be seen throughout the country as well as a thriving gay nightlife. Members of the LGBTQ community now bravely wave their pride flags high – so if there’s a time for LQBTQ travelers to experience Cuba, it’s now. 

Some Honest Advice For Travelling To Cuba

Cuba was actually voted Safest Travel Destination for 2018 and is a predominantly non-violent and safe place to travel.

If you want a trip to a Caribbean country, it is also one of the most accepting of all sexualities.

You should be able to enjoy your trip overtly without feeling a need to be closed off about your relationship. 

That being said, PDAs (public displays of affection) between homosexuals are fairly uncommon as its society is still fairly conservative.

You should also consider that there seems to be more acceptance for queer males than there is for lesbians.

There is steadily increasing visibility for those who are transgender or ‘travestis’ as the Cubans will say.

Of course, as is, unfortunately, the case with every country, I cannot guarantee that you will not come into contact with some ignorance or prejudice throughout your trip.

While for the most part, locals will be very tolerant, there are always the few who are exceptions to the rule.

And while you may be accepted with fairly welcome arms in Havana if you travel to different provinces you may find they are not as liberal.

This means if you do travel outside of Havana you may need to carefully consider the social context of where you are in order to stay safe, regardless of how wrong this may be. 

Gar Bar’s And Clubs

Throughout the years, gay nightlife has really begun to flourish, so you’ll be happy to know that you won’t be stuck for party destinations! Thanks to the private enterprises being made legal on the island, there is now an abundance of vibrant party life to choose from.

If you’re looking to cram your itinerary full of gay bars, clubs, or cocktail bars, you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of the venues that you won’t want to miss out on. 

Proyecto Divino

Every Saturday night you’ll find one of the most monumental parties in the whole of Havana.

Cafe Cantante, which you’ll find in the basement at Cuba’s National Theatre is a favorite for any member of the LGBTQ community. 

Here you’ll find party-goers dressed in drag, or dancing erotically, as well as performances from popular Cuban artists. Proyecto Divino is by far the most popular act that you’ll see while you’re there.

But make sure that you’ve caught up on all your sleep as these parties have a tendency to go all through the night and on into sunrise. 

Don’t worry though, there are cabs nearby so that you can safely make your way home no matter how hungover (or still inebriated) you may be. 

Information: Cafe Cantante, Calle Paseo y 39, Vedado

                      +53 878 4275

                      Saturday 11pm – 6am

This is a gay-friendly restaurant and club which is situated in a devastatingly beautiful mansion built back in 1880. This is a venue you simply cannot miss. It is also arguable the hottest club in Havanna at the moment. 

If you visit on a Monday, you will have the privilege of experiencing the ‘diverse parties’ that they host.

At these, you will enjoy performances from some of the most famous Drag Queens Cuba has to offer. 

But if you thought the party stopped there, you’d be wrong. It’s not just Mondays that you’ll want to visit this mansion, as almost every night there is some theme that you’ll love.

Often you’ll find that it’s mainly a mix of club classics, salsa, and reggaeton songs so you’re sure to have something you can dance along to all night long. 

Now, this club isn’t for the faint-hearted, as scenes inside this club get pretty raunchy.

If things heat up a little too much for your liking, you could always take a wander to the restaurant bar to guzzle down a delicious cocktail or take a walk outside to the beautifully charming porch where you can admire the starry Havana sky. 

There’s a magic to this place that is like no other – it’s a must to visit! 

Information: Calle B no.153 e/Calzada y Linea, Vedado

                       +53 7 836 3031

                       Monday – Sunday: 6pm – 3am

Cabaret Las Vegas

This club is state-owned but is often teaming with productions from iconically amazing Drag Queens known around Cuba such as Blanquita, Ashenal, and Imperio.

This club is actually often referred to as a gay landmark within Cuba, more specifically, in Havana. 

While this venue may seem small and nowhere near as grand as some of the previously mentioned venues, it will often have large queues of people desperate to get inside – so they’re certainly doing something right.  

If you’re hoping to find a rich variety of clientele, then this is the venue for you.

From locals to tourists, homosexuals to heterosexuals, you’ll find them all enjoying this party.

The professional drag shows and erotic dances are highly reviewed especially given the limited state funding and resources. 

Information: Calle Infanta No. 204, esquina 25, Vedado

                     +53 836 7939

                        Monday – Sunday: 4pm-8pm & 10pm-3am

Madrigal Bar

The madrigal bar is aesthetically one of my absolute favorite gay bars to choose from. It is situated on the second floor of an old colonial house that is found in the center of Vedado.

If you’re looking for the atmospheric artsy vibe, then this has your name written all over it. 

 It is owned by a Cuban filmmaker which explains the amazing set-like feel to it. It is a great place where both locals and tourists can come together to mingle.

Whether you want a tasty cocktail in the wonderfully decorated bar, or perhaps a lovely view from the terrace balcony, this gorgeous restaurant has it all. 

And if you’re lucky enough to drop in at the right moment, you’ll even have the soothing sounds of jazz to listen to as you sip away.

Information: 17 No. 302 e/ 2 y 4, Vedado

                      +53 7 831 2433

                      Tuesday – Sunday – 6pm-12am

                       Friday – Saturday – 6pm-4am 

Another favorite found in Vedado’s trendy neighborhood is the King Bar.

The whole premise of this bar is having a great time and breaking boundaries – so if these are things you like, it is a great place to plan to visit. 

This club has a great variety of choices for drinks too, so if you’d like to treat your tastebuds, this is the place to be.

Drinks are usually only around $3-5 CUC and if that isn’t cheap enough, there’s also a happy hour if you can get there between 5pm-8pm.

And if all of that still wasn’t enough, at this time you can also save up to 50% off any cocktails or beers.

I don’t know about you but that sounds like a deal I just wouldn’t be able to turn down. 

Don’t worry if you get peckish either, as this club offers some of the absolute tastiest dishes in El Vedado.

Whether you’re a fan of fish, meat, or are vegetarian there will be mouth-watering food suitable for you.

What better way is there to soak up all that alcohol after all? 

Information: Calle 23 e/ D y E, Vedado

                      +53 7 833 0556

                      Monday – Sunday: 7pm-3am

Fashion Bar La Habana

Last but not least, we have the Fashion Bar. Now, this is a ridiculously extra and outrageously camp extravaganza.

As soon as you walk in you’ll be faced with countless topless hunky waiters who greet you from the very door you enter from.

These beautiful boys will be around to attend to any need you have throughout the night and honesty it’s worth the visit just for the sexy staff alone! 

The show itself is an amazing blend of drag, comedy skits, erotic dancing, and amateur aerobics as well as some interpretive dance.

Through the interludes, you will also find that there is plenty of information given on how to practice safe sex, and which politically correct phrases to use to ensure a safe and protected environment for all party-goers.

Information: San Juan de Dios, esq. A Aguacate, Habana Vieja

                       +53 7 867 1676

                        Saturday: 9pm-4am

Mi Cayito’s Unofficial Gay Beach 

Hidden across the heavily Cuba coastline, you will find the  Mi Cayito beach.

While it may be slightly smaller than other beaches across the coast, it is no less stunning or serene.

This beach can be found close to the capital of Cuba, just between popular beaches such as Boca Ciega and Santa Maria del Mar. 

What is so special about this beach is that it is Cuba’s only openly gay beach. In fact, here sexual freedom is not only welcomed but it’s celebrated.

It is the perfect destination for those that do not want to hide who they are, in a destination that can be seen as heavily conservative. 

And although it may be smaller than some of the more famously known beaches, it still offers absolutely everything you’ll need to have the ultimate beach day, so don’t worry there is no compromising the enjoyment of your experience.

Sun loungers, umbrellas, local restaurants, and much more are all at your disposal.

You can even purchase yourself a cheeky cocktail from Las Palmitas. While you’re there you might as well also try the mouth-watering Cuban food that they offer too. 

From Parque Central, you’ll be looking at about an hour on the bus to travel here, but don’t worry, you’ll be pleased to know the buses are air-conditioned.

They’re also relatively cheap too, only costing around 5 CUC for a roundtrip ticket. But if the bus doesn’t seem like your style for an extra 10 CUC you could always opt to travel via taxi. 

Santa Clara: La Ciudad Liberal (The Liberal City)

Any member of the LGBTQ community that finds themselves in Cuba really needs to make sure they make time to visit Santa Clara.

It was once named after its historical ties to a late revolutionary figure Santa Clara, but it has since become the political core for LGBT activism and is also seen as Cuba’s main gay landmark. 

This city has morphed into a place of sensual freedom, where gender expectations are challenged without judgment.

And we actually have a Drag Show to thank. The ‘El Mejunje’ (‘The Mixture’) unveiled it’s very first drag show way back in 1989.

This caused ripples throughout the city that completely changed all preconceptions of sexuality and gender, not just throughout the city, but the whole of Cuba. If you are looking for a city full of relevant LGBT history, this place is brimming full of it. 

Santa Clara is a university city that is full of life and youth and the atmosphere here is honestly unmatched.

It is found right in the center of Cuba and so if you are traveling to destinations such as Cienfuegos, Trinidad, or Cayo Santa Maria, you need to leave yourself a couple of spare days to stop off and tour this gorgeous city. 

This is the cultural center and nightclub that has been established since the late 1980s. No trip to Santa Clara is complete without visiting here.

El Mujunje’s purpose is to collectively bring together people from any walk of life who are all celebrated and welcomed.

It’s really just a place for those who may feel marginalized to feel welcome, and accepted, and for them to have a really great time – what could be better? 

This is where you can find the ultimate tolerance and safety throughout the whole of Cuba .

It’s also a popular venue amongst locals too, there is always a buzzing crowd enjoying performances from drag to traditional Cuban music. 

El Mujunje was an institution for tolerance and acceptance, not just for homosexuality, but just to create a more open-minded community in general.

It was a safe space for anyone that needed it, whether that was queer people, HIV sufferers, drag queens, or rockers. It was more specifically geared towards anyone who was at the time marginalized in Cuba. 

Here is really an anything-goes policy, so it’s really a fantastic port of call for anyone who feels marginalized or often experiences prejudice to escape from the pressures of a more conservative society. 

Final Thoughts

While there are certainly still parts of Cuba that haven’t caught up with the more modern views of sexual orientation and gender identity, it has come on leaps and bounds from where the revolution began decades ago. 

If you are planning to visit Cuba, I would recommend staying in Havana as of all the provinces it is by far the most accepting, though there is still work to be done, as queer men seem to be accepted much more here than that of queer women.

While there are fewer prejudices in Havana, PDAs in the streets are still seen as slightly taboo. 

There are, however, now plenty of places throughout Havana where homosexuality is not only accepted but in fact celebrated.

If you are hoping to find a destination with plentiful gay nightlife then Cuba is sure not to disappoint.

Whether you’d prefer an all-nighter party style club or a more understated cocktail club with fancy decor and beautiful balconies, there is an option for all.

Most clubs all stay open till early hours too, with live music, and performance acts taking to the stage throughout the whole night.

However, if you’re not much for drinking and dancing until the early hours of the morning, there are still plenty of options for a great break away.

Mi Cayito’s openly gay beach is perfect for all beach bums that would like to lounge on a sunbed all day and catch a tan in the relentless Cuban sun.

And Santa Clara’s liberal city allows for the perfect day out for those who want to explore a city rich in history and diversity and acceptance. 

Whichever holiday you choose, hopefully, this guide will have helped you build the perfect itinerary so that you can have the time of your life from the second the plane takes off for Havana!

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Gay Cuba Travel Guide

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Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers in Cuba

Homosexuality is not illegal in Cuba, but in general, Cuba has a poor record on gay and lesbian rights, and while the situation has improved somewhat, there are still high levels of homophobia and broad societal rejection of gays and lesbians. For decades following the Revolution, gays and lesbians were closeted and persecuted. (Read Reinaldo Arenas' horrifying account in Before Night Falls. ) The harsh measures they faced included forced labor and prison. The blockbuster movie Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate) certainly brought the issue to the forefront, yet little has changed in the prevailing views of this macho society. However, Fidel Castro has now taken responsibility for the way homosexuals were treated in the 1960s and 1970s. There is only one openly accepted gay and lesbian establishment in Cuba (in Santa Clara), and few of the established gay and lesbian tour operators run trips to the island. However, Out Adventures (www.out-adventures.com), based in Canada and working with Intrepid travel, offers a "Comfort Cuba" tour.

Santa Clara is perhaps the most openly gay city in Cuba and there is an annual gay and transvestite carnival in the middle of May. In Havana, a transvestite entertains weekly at Cafe TV. Raúl Castro's daughter, Mariela Castro, heads the National Center for Sex Education and champions homosexual, bisexual, and transgender rights. In May 2008, the state-television network transmitted Brokeback Mountain on TV, the first time a gay film had been broadcast in Cuba. Cuba also held an anti-homophobia day for the fourth time in May 2010, promoted by Mariela Castro. The legalization of same-sex marriage has also been talked about, but so far no progress has been made. In addition, sex change operations were legalized in 2008, and in 2010, Cuba's first transsexual appeared in a documentary on the island publicly detailing her transition for the first time.

While travelers are generally not hassled in Cuba and given some leeway in terms of social mores, same-sex signs of physical affection are rare and frowned upon across the country. Gay and lesbian couples and singles should take the prevailing social climate into account when traveling in Cuba.

The documentary film, Gay Cuba, by Sonja de Vries (Frameline Films; www.frameline.org), is an honest look at the treatment of gays and lesbians in modern Cuba.

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) (tel. 954/630-1637; www.iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Uncovering Gay Havana, Cuba

After a 45-minute flight, we land on the cracked-concrete runway of José Martí International Airport, walk off the plane onto a seemingly deserted airstrip, and are greeted by a white bust of revolutionary José Martí.

I n old Havana there is a tree that’s said to be older than the city itself. It was here, though it was very young, when the Taíno people would worship, venerate, and respect her as Ancient Mother. It was here too, though a little older now, in 1519 when the Spanish first established a settlement. The land was claimed, right beside her growing roots, as San Cristóbal de la Habana. She provided shade for the first mass and bestowed a breeze for the first council meeting. And as she reached toward the heavens, so did a city. Becoming resilient and strong, prosperous and wealthy, devout and ideological—she soon had a home overlooking churches and plazas, statues and mansions that rivaled those of Europe. She felt the breeze of independence and briefly felt it taken away from her. As times changed, though, she witnessed the plight of the Cuban people under a dictatorship and felt the mumblings of revolution brush through her leaves. Then, in 1959, as winter drew to an end she was here still to feel the rumbling of a tank shake her roots to usher in spring and a new hope for her land. More than half a century later, the wind again sways her branches and one of her leaves falls in 2014, twirling like a Sky Dancer, landing flatly on my head.

I am about to visit Havana, Cuba for a whirlwind three-day trip, and I decide before boarding a charter flight from Miami to José Martí International Airport, to drop the veil on my parochial American upbringing, to observe and reflect on a country that has persevered through difficult times, and embrace (not criticize) its convictions. Of course, actually being in Havana, exploring, and meeting the people, I am forced to modify this original declaration. Havana lends itself to open-minded tourists who should be curious about the political system, who want to question the state of the city, and who will dig deeper into the country’s modern-day ethos while understanding its past. And once you find yourself sharing a mojito with a local, you may be surprised to see just how open and honest they are about their lives and their country. As my journey unfolds, I find the city to be a living testament of its history and ideals, and I meet a proud people who have the strength to overcome obstacles that the modern-day traveler may not realize still exist.

I am able to visit Cuba because of loosened travel restrictions on citizens of the USA thanks to a recent change in policy encouraged by President Barack Obama. Now, tour companies are allowed to operate in the island nation as long as they are licensed through the juggernaut education-based travel program called People to People . My trip is booked through Pride World Travel , a member of the IsramWorld portfolio of brands, which is beginning their LGBT-focused tours of Cuba in 2015. Because these are educational trips, Americans are still at the mercy of the Cuban government that works to organize specific itineraries for each group. If you don’t feel like going along with the plans, too bad. As long as the official government itinerary is in play, you’re required to be with your group. But as I learn during my trip, there is a leniency depending on your guide. Luckily, my itinerary is relaxed and filled with a steady stream of good food, fascinating people from the LGBT community (including my guide), and even time to relax at the gay beach.

I highly recommend visiting through a well-established tour company like Pride World Travel. The company handled every little detail of the trip. Having all the correct documents is especially nerve-wracking for Americans visiting Cuba. The night before we depart from Miami, a representative hands me a packet with everything I need. From a formal letter granting me access and a visa to the required Cuban-issued health insurance— everything is organized. Also, I receive the VIP treatment at the Miami airport when, instead of waiting in line for the charter flight, a representative greets us, takes our bags, and hands us all the required customs forms that we’ll need to enter Cuba.

A fter a 45-minute flight, we land on the cracked-concrete runway of José Martí International Airport, walk off the plane onto a seemingly deserted airstrip, and are greeted by a white bust of revolutionary José Martí. Once through the doors, we are escorted into a flickering neon-lit room filled with guards. I am so glad I have the paperwork in order. The buildup and anxiety are unnecessary. The pleasant (and handsome) agent takes my whole packet, stamps my passport (though I am told you can request a separate sheet to be stamped), and I walk through the door into the baggage claim area. Only one person in my group is taken aside for further questioning (this is routine), but he rejoins us a few minutes later.

Milena and Juani Santos

Our on-the-ground tour company, Havana Tours , which is government owned, whisks us through customs and takes us straight to a van. “Welcome to Havana,” shouts our guide, Oscar, who will be with us for the entire trip. He quickly begins pointing things out, but it’s hard to pay attention. I’m in CUBA , keeps repeating in my head. CUBA! The old 1950’s American-made cars rumble by us, but they aren’t exactly like the ones in pictures. Most are beat-up, rusted, and loud, but they are still so sexy and filled with men and women cruising with the windows down.

“Here’s a school,” he says pointing to a Creamsicle-orange building with kids in white uniforms playing tetherball in the clay ground surrounded by a lush baseball field. A propaganda billboard proclaiming “We Have Socialism” with a picture of revolution leaders serves as their backdrop. “All education up to a master’s is free in Cuba,” he proudly exclaims. We all collectively shake our heads thinking of our enormous student debts.

Then, we drive past the obelisk-like monument in Plaza de la Revolución and whiz around the iconic images of Che Guevera (“Until the Everlasting Victory, Always”) and the lesser-known revolution leader Camilo Cienfuegos (“You’re Doing Fine, Fidel”).

When we exit the turnabout plaza the street becomes a gorgeous, Spanish-inspired boulevard with a tree-lined pedestrian median. Here is where I get my first glimpse of the effects of Cuba’s political and economic climate. Each side of the avenue is lined with one stately mansion after another even-more-impressive mansion. Large gates open to reveal overgrown tropical flora and gorgeous Italianate-like buildings. Each, though, has been weathered by the climate forcing their colors to fade, but their beauty, and significance can easily still be admired. “The people who lived here,” our guide half-smirks, “Weren’t too happy about the Revolution.” And you can understand why. “Oh, what the gays in New York could do to this street,” one other guest quips.

As the avenue curves toward the sea, we see our massive hotel, Meliá Cohiba Hotel Havana .

El Templete

T hrough the tour company, we have VIP service and are brought to “The Level,” a special check-in area with a private concierge (you’ll be able to exchange your US dollars here for the local currency, the Cuban Convertible Peso or CUC). My accommodations are unexpectedly large; it’s a corner room with surrounding windows. I open the curtains, running around my room pulling them to reveal a stunning view of the sea. A large bed, two televisions (which get international channels), a Jacuzzi tub, and most amenities one would expect, including Wi-Fi (for a hefty price), from a modern hotel. We also take delight in the multiple restaurants, the outdoor pool on the second floor, the large gym/sauna, and the attention-to-every-detail customer service.

Celebrating our first night, we literally feast at a palador (privately owned restaurant) called La Moraleja . We walk down a lighted, trellised path to an indoor/outdoor dining area. The owner happily greets us and lets us see his extensive wine collection. Importing more than a couple bottles is illegal so this assortment has taken him and his father many years to collect. Havana Tourism representatives meet us and, in a grand show, we dine on chicken, lamb, lobster, traditional rice and beans, fried yucca, clams, shrimp, and fried cheese. It’s obvious, knowing a bit about the food rationing that the socialist system in Cuba uses, that our local company doesn’t normally dine this way (of course, we don’t either). I’m hesitant to talk about it, but a fellow traveler outright asks, in a non-disrespectful way: “You’re not used to eating like this are you?”

“No!” they all say laughing. Their candid response gives us our first glimpse at the openness of the Cuban people. Our hosts freely explain the ration books and what that gives them: rice, beans, and eggs. Taking a bite out of a lobster tail one says: “It’s why we are so lucky to have been placed in tourism.” It’s a sobering moment, and we consider asking for our food to go so we can share it with others. “No, no, no,” they insist, “You can leave it for the staff at the restaurant.”

The conversation never treads on awkward, which is refreshing. We compare apartment prices, talk about their travel restrictions, the new iPhone, if they ever figured out how Whitney Houston died, and if New York is just like the movies. The owner is happy we’re visiting too. To show his appreciation, he lights us Cuban cigars and brings us beautiful rum. Taking a pull on the cigar, I think to myself: I could get used to this .

After dinner, according to our official program, we’re to meet an activist group. So I am surprised when we arrive at a nightclub named after the award-winning Cuban-produced gay movie Strawberry and Chocolate called Café Fresa y Chocolate . Inside, there is a band waiting for us called Aceituna sin Hueso. This café by day is attached to the Cuban Film Institute and is a regular hangout for the arts community (a.k.a gay), but at night, particularly once a month, the band (not exactly an activist group) performs. “It’s a place where everyone feels safe,” the bombshell lead singer Miriela Moreno tells me. By looking around, you can see many more lesbian couples than gay men sitting at the tables drinking Crystal beer. For non-Spanish speakers, Moreno’s music is still easily understood through her palpable soul-crushing passion and the get-up-and-dance beats by her band. The group, who has traveled abroad to Spain to perform, uses their lyrics to send anti-homophobia and anti-prejudice messages, she tells me. I quickly develop a straight crush on her as I gulp down several Bucanero beers while watching them completely turn the small café into a Miami Beach–style club.

A driver picks me up in the morning in a 1950’s canary-yellow, convertible Buick Dynaflow—it’s that Havana moment I’ve read about. He honks his horn to the tune of “Turkey in the Straw” as we drive down the waterfront street called the Malecón. His horn pulsing to the rhythm of the sea attracts the attention of the early-morning fishermen who turn their attention away from their poles and give us a wave. The Cuban flag proudly waves in front of a grand monument to Cuban Independence hero Antonio Maceo Grajales who sits tall on his horse looking over the city. The car breezes past the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform, the site of tense anti-American protests, particularly during the Elián González affair. We pass the statue of González’s father holding a small Elián and pointing to the United States Interests Section’s glass-covered building. Even while pointing it out, our guide is never awkward about US and Cuban relations.

Havana Centro Outside Capitolio

I take in my first views of the famous buildings along the Malecón. Weathered by time, the buildings seem different depending on how the early-morning sun hits them. The sun’s struggling to pierce through the dark clouds overhead, and the lighting reveals splendid patterns, architectural accents, and varying states of decay and renovation. But most of all, I think, it reveals a color spectrum that my eyes are unaccustomed to seeing in New York. It reminds me of the colors from a PAAS Easter egg coloring kit, each egg always turned out to be a new and exciting shade. The row of buildings is peppered with new projects, including a new government-owned hotel, which gives me hope that this once-grand waterfront will be revitalized.

We then turn onto an unassuming street. In accordance with our itinerary, we’re to “Visit Paloma Project which promotes gender equality (part of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry and meet with the Director Lizette Vila.” A woman, no taller than 5’2″, reaches her arms out for a hug as we reach the wrought-iron arched entrance, and a lumbering dog lifts his head at the upcoming excitement. She hugs each of us like a long-lost relative and leads us through the well-manicured front garden and into the building. Trinkets (witches, clocks, sage, figurines) and old photos (Castro, trans* activists, famous singers) dot the walls, and we carefully try not to disturb the large Santaria (local religion) shrine on the floor that’s filled with hopes, dreams, and prayers. We’re brought into a small room and offered tea and cookies, and we kindly accept (it is considered bad form not to enjoy specially prepared food).

One by one, new people enter and sit with us in a tiny windowless room. We form a circle and exchange those awkward first-meeting smiles. Lizette Vila enters the room and goes around introducing everyone. “This is Milena and Juani Santos,” she says pointing to an older gentleman and a young lady. “Juani is the first transgender person in Cuba, and Milena has recently transitioned and is the focus of an upcoming documentary,” she nonchalantly shares as our jaws nearly hit the floor.

She then continues and introduces Isabel Blanco, a famous ballerina who now teaches acceptance and empowerment through dance; Ingrid Leon, who produces documentaries about woman’s rights and has just completed the documentary about Milena; and Teresa de Jesús Fernández who works for the government’s gay-rights agency, Cenesex.

For a gay journalist, this room is a jackpot. I am ready to fire off question after question, but it never becomes a structured interview, it becomes a wonderful discussion that doesn’t lend itself to an uncomfortable middle-of-the-room recorder. We drop formalities, and we talk, connecting with each other, undistracted like pre-iPhone days. We learn of Juani’s struggles growing up as the only girl among boys and how he has found acceptance from his brothers after having pioneering surgery in Copenhagen. Milena tells us about being kicked out of her home and finding the government-supported resources and government-provided medical treatments to make her into the woman that she always knew she was. Ingrid discusses the difficulties of creating documentaries in Cuba and the thrill of watching her controversial pieces air on the state-run television channel and her hopes to show them at international festivals.

It is Lizette Vila, whose passion for her work, her openness, and her intelligence that captivates my attention most. Moving her hands with wild gesticulations, reminding me of my Italian grandmother, she discusses each person in the room’s successes and troubles. Her empathy and her understanding go far beyond the goal of the organization, which is to advance equality through the arts. While her ideas on feminism and the LGBT community seem quite progressive, even radical, she insists that they are in line with the beliefs of many other people in the country, including Mariela Castro, the director of Cinesex, and the daughter of President Raúl Castro.

She likens Cuba to a strong, fertile, and beautiful woman whose resilience in the face of revolution and embargoes continues to inspire her and the arts community. And while she is lucky to travel around the globe and meet with LGBT and feminist leaders, she continues to thank socialism. “It’s because of socialism and the Cuban government that we exist,” she tells us while placing her arm on my shoulder.

After long hugs and countless photos, our driver and Oscar have to nearly pull us away, despite the excitement of our next stop, the gay beach.

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With an insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for adventure our Editors bring a unique perspective to every destination, weaving together vivid narratives that go beyond the surface to uncover the heart and soul of each place.

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Meet Our Beloved Local Cuba Guide

Of all our local guides, Willmar is one of the most beloved. He’s become famous among our travellers for his outgoing personality and wealth of knowledge surrounding Cuban architecture and history. Not to mention his impressive dance moves.

Get to know Willmar and why he’s passionate about hosting our gay Cuba tours below.

1. Please introduce yourself. Where you grew up, where you live now…

My name is Willmar Rosales. I’m 45 and I’m from La Habana (Havana). I live just ten minutes from the international airport. I’m passionate about dogs, animals, plants, history, and architecture.

2. What’s the current situation in Cuba re: covid-19?

Right now we are having a very difficult moment in Cuba, with the highest number of infected people per day in the last five days. At the moment, Cuba has its own vaccines but the government hasn’t approved them yet.

3. What have you personally been keeping busy with since covid halted travel and tourism?

I’ve been out of work since March, so I’ve been spending my time with my partner, dogs, etc. We hope the country will open up soon so I can get back to doing what I love.

4. How did you end up in the travel industry in the first place?

Above all else, I love history, architecture, and culture. I’m from a country that’s geographically very small but at the same time very rich in these things. I love to show them to visitors.

In addition, Cuba is politically unique and I enjoy educating visitors about this—independent of what I personally think or how I feel.

5. Out Adventures’ tour stops in four key regions/cities: Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and Viñales. Which of these regions do you love taking visitors to most and why?

I was born and raised in Havana and I love my home. So this is my favorite place to introduce visitors to.

If you’re asking me for another place where I could live in Cuba—somewhere I’d be proud to show visitors—it would definitely be Cienfuegos.

Cienfuegos has this incredible combination of things I love: it’s facing a beautiful bay, has a beautiful architecture, and a beautiful beach. Also, I feel very attached to the city because it’s where my great grandparents emigrated from Spain in mid-XIX century and settled down. Both my grandma and mother were born there.

6. In your experience, what do you find Americans are most surprised to learn when they finally visit Cuba? 

When Americans visit, they’re always surprised that Cubans actually really love them. And this love has nothing to do with politics.

7. Cuba has come a long way in regards to LGBTQ+ rights. Can you tell us what it was like growing up as a gay Cuban? Were your family/friends accepting?

Like most gay people, my biggest challenge was to live as a gay man without the need to hide my feelings. With most of my family, it was pretty easy coming out. Unfortunately, it wasn’t so easy with my grandpa. Eventually, he realized no matter who I sleep with I was the same person who loves him and the one he loves too.

8. In Cuba, locals couldn’t historically choose where they lived. This regulation prevented a gay quarter/village from developing. Has this changed? Is there more of a gay scene nowadays in Havana?

Nothing has changed recently and Havana still doesn’t have a gay quarter. I think there needs to be a deeper political and cultural change in Cuba before Havana has a gay village.

9. Can you talk about how you and your husband met? 

This story has two chapters, with a lot of twists and turns that could be turned into a full novel. Ha!

We met almost 22 years ago and we have been together for almost 20 years. What I can tell you is that meeting him was one of the most beautiful and important moments of my entire life.

10. Gay travellers often use gay dating apps to meet other LGBTQ+ locals. Given Cuba’s limited wifi, do local people use apps like Grindr, Scruff, Hornet etc?

I knew about them from Out Adventures’ travellers and no one said that they have any problems having access to those apps. 

11. Are there any popular gay beaches and or gay bars/spaces you like?

The most popular gay beach in Havana is Mi Cayito. It’s super popular among LGBTQ people. Cuban gay bars are very different and I’ve had mixed experiences. But my favourite Cuban gay bar is La Esencia .

12. Speaking of bars, Cuban rum is internationally renowned. What’s your favourite cocktail that visitors must try?

 Without hesitation a ‘mafia mojito’ (three types of rum) or ‘mojito Santiago’ (with Santiago Rum). But you can’t leave Viñales without a ‘piña colada’ from 3J Tapas Bar  and an ‘anti-stress cocktail’ from El Paraíso Organic Farm . Oh, and don’t forget the ‘canchánchara’ from Trinidad.

13. I know you’re a bit of a dancer. Do all Cubans grow up learning salsa?

Dancing before social media and the internet was the best way to socialize, meet friends, or to start dating. Cubans love to dance. I remember dancing with my mom when I was very little, around three- or four-years-old.

14. Do you have any advice for visitors looking to authentically experience your beautiful island?

Be flexible and go with the flow. Cuba is a very special place but don’t expect top-notch service. Also, when visitors go into Cuban shops, they need to realize that the shop may not have everything they’re looking for. For that reason, I always say “let’s see what they have” to prevent disappointment.

15. What part of Cuban culture/history are you most proud of? 

I’m very proud of what Cuba is today; a mix of Spanish, Aboriginal African, and other European cultures. All of these unique cultures brought different elements to Cuba.

I’m very proud of our architecture as well as what was done to preserve it. Not to mention the efforts to preserve our historical sites and world heritage cities. So we have valuable things to show to the world. When a visitor arrives in Cuba they may realize the island has so much more to offer than sun and beaches with white sand and turquoise water.

Curious about Cuba?

If you’re interested in travelling to Cuba with like-minded gay men, we offer two unique tours: Cultural Cuba and Cuba: New Year Fiesta. Both tours operate under the USA’s ‘ Support for the Cuban People ‘ visa and are legal for Americans.

Photo Credits

All photos courtesy of Willmar Rosales and Carl Hiehn.

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Where it's a crime to be gay: A visual guide to where LGBTQ+ rights are repressed

Uganda enacted one of the harshest anti-gay laws in the world last week, a bill known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 . It imposes a life sentence for engaging in "same-sex sexual acts," and the death penalty for gay sex in certain circumstances, such as while infected with an illness like HIV or for having sex with a person with disabilities or a minor. (LGBTQ+ advocates in the U.S. condemn the implication of LGBTQ+ people as groomers or pedophiles.)

It came days before the start of Pride Month, a global event in June that celebrates LGBTQ+ communities around the world. But while the Uganda law has drawn international condemnation and even sparked a fight among a couple of U.S. conservatives , it is not an outlier. The LBGTQ+ community remains heavily criminalized in many parts of the world.

Indeed, around the world, being LGBTQ+ can lead to whippings or other punishments that seem outdated. In Russia, being gay has been legal since 1983, but there are still fines for a lack of "traditional values."

Here's a global overview of where sexual and gender minority rights are threatened:

'Horrific': Biden, Cruz slam Anti-homosexuality Bill in Uganda that includes death penalty

LGBTQ+: Punished in 64 different countries

Of 193 countries in the United Nations, 64 still criminalize same-sex acts, according to a database run by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). "Same-sex acts'' is the phrase used by this and other human rights monitoring organizations.

By region, this criminalization breaks down as follows:

• In Africa, same-sex acts are illegal in 32 out of the continent's 52 countries. The countries where it is illegal: Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
• In Asia and the Middle East , same-sex acts are illegal in 20 countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
• There are no places in Europe where same-sex acts are illegal.
• In the Americas, same-sex acts are prohibited in Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
• In Oceania, the region made up of Australia and other island nations in the South Pacific Ocean, same-sex acts are not allowed in Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga andTuvalu.

From whippings to fines for a lack of 'traditional values'

Across the world, criminal sentences for same-sex acts, certain forms of sexual orientation and minority gender expression can range from fines or several months in prison to life in jail, from whipping to the death penalty. In some countries, laws are vague and open to interpretation. In others, it's the exact opposite. In Russia, for example, where same-sex acts have been legal since 1993, the government actively targets LGBTQ+ people and communities through discriminatory propaganda and fines for not having "traditional values."

Where there is the death penalty for same-sex acts:

• Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uganda and Yemen.

Prison, fines, or whipping for minority forms of sexual or gender expression:

• Brunei, Kuwait, Malawi, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Tonga, Uganda and United Arab Emirates.

Countries that in recent years decriminalized same-sex relationships:

• Angola (2021), Botswana (2019), India (2018), Mozambique (2015), Singapore (2023).

Same-sex union: Where it's lawful

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to fully legalize same-sex marriage. It did so in 2001. The U.S. was the 17th country to legalize same-sex unions, which it did in 2015.

Same-sex marriage is now legal in 34 places around the world:

• Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, U.K., U.S. and Uruguay.

Where same-sex marriage was legalized in the last year:

• Andorra, Cuba, Slovenia.

Where there are pledges to legalize same-sex marriage in 2023:

• Czech Republic, India, Japan, Philippines.

Countries in Africa where same-sex marriage is legal:

• South Africa.

Places in Asia where same-sex marriage is legal:

Travel: Where to go, where's a no-go

The Spartacus Blog’s Gay Travel Index advises LGBTQ+ vacationers on which countries they can expect to be most safe in, where their rights are most protected, and where to avoid. Among the criteria assessed: anti-discrimination legislation, marriage/civil partnerships, whether adoption is allowed, transgender rights, infrastructure, views on conversion therapy, religious influence, local hostility, and laws surrounding prosecution.

The U.S. came in at 35 out of 199 global destinations.

LGBTQ+-friendly travel destinations in 2023:

• Malta, Canada, Switzerland.

Where not to go as an LGBTQ+ vacationer, according to the index:

• Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Afghanistan.

The most LGBTQ+-friendly U.S. states in 2023:

• California, New York, Washington, Colorado.

The worst U.S. states to be an LGBTQ+ vacation, per the index:

• Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia. Florida also fared poorly. In late May, the NAACP issued the following travel advisory as a result of Florida governor and U.S. presidential candidate Ron DeSantis's policies: "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ individuals."

U.S. Christian evangelicals spend big around the world

Human rights campaigners have long complained that U.S. Christian evangelical organizations have pushed policies, laws and public opinion that discriminate against sexual and gender minorities and reproductive rights for people across the world. A 2020 investigation by openDemocracy , for example, found that U.S.-based Family Watch International had, for a decade, been coaching high-ranking African politicians and religious and civic leaders to oppose sexuality education across the continent. Family Watch International also had a hand in shaping Uganda's 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Bill , according to openDemocracy.

Amount spent globally by U.S. groups on anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ influence campaigns since 2008:

• At least $280 million.

Amount spent by U.S. groups on anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ influence campaigns in Africa since 2008:

• At least $54 million.

Amount requested by the Biden administration in 2023 for foreign assistance programs that promote gender equity and equality worldwide for those who face discrimination :

• $2.6 billion.

Still, according to a recent analysis by the Brookings Institution , these programs chiefly focus on "enabling conditions" for women and young girls "to exercise voice and agency in their homes, workplaces, communities and public life." There is comparatively less understanding, according to the Brookings analysis, about how to deploy these funds for international programs that close rights gaps for sexual and gender minorities.

Reactions to Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Ugandan LGBTQ+ rights activists filed a lawsuit in the country's Constitutional Court challenging the bill. The Biden administration said it was considering imposing sanctions and visa restrictions. The European Union urged Uganda to revoke the bill and protect the rights of all Ugandans and said the law would impact Uganda's ties with international partners. A coalition of major companies including Google and Unilever said the law would curb investment flows to Uganda and deter tourism. One Kenyan lawmaker applauded the bill's passage.

• "Creating new crimes like these are a well-known way to engineer a legal basis to throw those with divergent views behind bars. It will push many into self-censorship and silence critical voices as Uganda's governance and human rights crises continue to deteriorate." − Clare Byarugaba, Ugandan rights activist
• "Cry beloved Uganda, cry for this sad day."− Stella Nyanzi, Ugandan human rights advocate
• "The law foresees the application of the death penalty and long prison sentences for consensual acts between adults. This law raises the risk of worsening the violence and persecution already faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Uganda." − Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the United Nations Secretary-General
• "Uganda's progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy. The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat. The stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act has already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services."− Joint statement from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
• "The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights. I join with people around the world − including many in Uganda − in calling for its immediate repeal." − U.S. President Joe Biden
• "The Uganda law is horrific and wrong. Any law criminalizing homosexuality or imposing the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” is grotesque & an abomination. ALL civilized nations should join together in condemning this human rights abuse."− U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
• "With a lot of humility, I thank my colleague Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure, in the interest of our Country. By their action, we have lived our motto: For God and our Country."− Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among
• "Wow! What a leader we've in Africa! Congratulations Uganda! Kenya is following you in this endeavor to save humanity … Perversion is treated, not normalized!"− George Kaluma, Kenyan member of Parliament

Sources: ILGA database, Human Rights Watch, Human Dignity Trust , Human Rights Campaign , openDemocracy, U.S. Agency for International Development

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Ukraine says it struck one of Russia's most advanced warplanes

Susie Blann

Associated Press

Russian Defense Ministry Press Service

In this photo taken on Friday, April 26, 2024 and released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, a Russian soldier poses for a photo next to a 2A65 "Msta-B" howitzer at a position in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

KYIV – Ukraine on Sunday said its forces hit an ultra-modern Russian warplane stationed on an air base nearly 600 kilometers (370 miles) from the front lines, after its Western allies allowed Kyiv to use their weapons for limited strikes inside Russia.

Kyiv’s main military intelligence service shared satellite photos it said showed the aftermath of the attack. If confirmed, it would mark Ukraine's first known successful strike on a Su-57 fighter plane, a twin-engine stealth fighter lauded as Moscow's most advanced military aircraft.

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In one photo, black soot marks and small craters can be seen dotting a concrete strip around the parked aircraft. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the strike took place on Saturday at the Akhtubinsk base in southern Russia, some 589 kilometers (366 miles) from the front line.

It wasn’t immediately clear what weapons were used, but the airfield’s distance from Ukraine suggests that it was likely hit by drones.

The strike comes after the United States and Germany recently authorized Ukraine to hit some targets on Russian soil with the long-range weapons they are supplying to Kyiv. Ukraine has already used U.S. weapons to strike inside Russia under newly approved guidance from President Joe Biden that allows American arms to be used for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv , Ukraine’s second-largest city.

The Ukrainian agency said that the plane, which is capable of carrying stealth missiles across hundreds of kilometers (miles), was among “a countable few” of its type in Moscow's arsenal. According to reports by Russian agencies, Moscow's armed forces obtained “more than 10” new Su-57s last year, while 76 are set to be produced by 2028.

Moscow did not immediately comment on the reports. Russia's Defense Ministry on Saturday claimed its forces downed three Ukrainian drones in the Astrakhan region, home to the Akhtubinsk airstrip.

Since Moscow's full-scale invasion more than two years ago, Kyiv has ramped up domestic drone production and used the drones to strike deep inside Russia, including a gas terminal near St. Petersburg that lies over 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) north of the Ukrainian border.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian forces kept up drone attacks on Russia's southern border regions, according to local Russian officials.

Three drones hit Belgorod province late on Saturday, damaging a power line and blowing out windows but causing no casualties, said Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. Another two drones and a Ukrainian-made missile were brought down over the region on Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Across Ukraine’s front-line provinces, Russian shelling killed at least three civilians and wounded at least nine others on Saturday and overnight, according to reports by regional officials.

A man died and two women suffered wounds in the village of Khotimlya, east of Kharkiv, Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said. Shelling also damaged the local school, a council building, a shop and private homes, Syniehubov said.

Heavy battles continued in the area as Ukrainian troops try to beat back Russia's invading forces after a weekslong push by Moscow that sparked fears for Kharkiv, located just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Russian border, and a wave of civilian evacuations.

Russia’s coordinated new offensive has centered on the Kharkiv region, but seems to include testing Ukrainian defenses in Donetsk farther south, while also launching incursions in the northern Sumy and Chernihiv regions.

The easing of restrictions on the use of Western weapons will help Ukraine protect Kharkiv by targeting Russian capabilities across the border. It is unclear what other impact it may have on the direction of the war, in what is proving to be a critical period .

The move drew a furious response from Moscow, and warnings it could embroil NATO in a war with Russia. But Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser, described it as “common sense.”

“What was happening up around Kharkiv ... was a Russian offensive where they were moving from one side of the border directly to the other side of the border, and it simply didn’t make sense not to allow the Ukrainians to fire across that border, to hit Russian guns and emplacements that were firing at (them),” Sullivan said Sunday in an interview with CBS's “Face the Nation.”

Kozlowska reported from London.

Find more of AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Opinion | Larry Wilson: Little wins in the war against…

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Opinion | Larry Wilson: Little wins in the war against despotism

As Anjali Mody reported from Chennai, India, “After a decade of increasingly unchecked power, Narendra Modi has been cut down to size.”

The Hindu nationalist prime minister didn’t lose, exactly. After the votes were counted in the world’s largest democracy he’s still in power, for his third term, one of those Putinesque players who clearly wants to serve a life sentence in the office.

But not only did his self-founded party do far worse than it was expected to do before the election — a “thumping victory” was predicted — he no longer even has a majority in parliament and will have to form a coalition government.

These are not the kinds of results your religiously inflammatory, anti-Muslim, authoritarian despots like to see.

Like the czar wannabe in the Kremlin, who surrounds himself with Orthodox icons and archbishops in his formerly atheist state, Mody writes of Modi: he “recently claimed that his birth was not a ‘biological’ event but that he had been sent by God.”

But the Indian people weren’t buying his second coming bit any longer.

Still, yeah, you couldn’t be more right that it’s only my clearly delusional perpetual optimism about progress in this world that could make me believe we’re really on the road back to worldwide actual democracy we thought we were on when the Soviet Union collapsed and China opened up to the West some 40 years ago.

The end of history prediction was inaccurate.

Because last week at the beginning of balloting in European Parliament elections, voters in the 27 EU countries were expected to give big gains to hard-right nationalists all over the continent.

Giorgia Meloni, who comes from a party founded from the ashes of Mussolini’s Fascist movement, is already prime minister in Italy. Marine Le Pen, heir to her father’s National Rally racist, xenophobic party, has a legitimate chance to become president of France. And the very idea that the far-right Alternative for Germany party is a legitimate player in that country’s politics is more than scary. It’s the last nation the world wants to see go all Fourth Reich on us, because it is so very good at it. Geert Wilders, a nationalist menace, has power in the Netherlands, of all places. Finland and Greece are flirting with illiberal authoritarians, and you’ve always got to watch out for Spain. This is not even to mention the promoters of intolerance in countries not long used to open societies anyway: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. Poland recently swung back from the brink by electing a moderate, but it’s always in play for more strongmen.

Big guys who like to dictate are not always on the right — not by any means. China is nominally Communist, but Xi sees himself as an old-fashioned emperor. Cuba continues to be just communistically awful. And with Nicolás Maduro, Socialist president of Venezuela, we have been witness to the ruination of a formerly wildly rich oil-pumping nation with a regime that has caused millions of people to flee.

Tyranny rules the day and the nighttime too all over Africa and Southeast Asia. And the Middle East, well, the bonesaw-wielding princes, don’t mess with them. And how would the college kids like a taste of Hamas, whose bosses don’t believe that spousal rape is rape, and kill gays for being gay?

As ever, my optimism is misplaced. But a person still likes to hope against hope at a little bit of good political news.

Larry Wilson is on the Southern California News Group editorial board. [email protected]

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