Cuban in Tampa defends herself against criticism for living in a trailer: "One lives where one can and should be honored."

A Cuban woman in Tampa defends her choice to live in a trailer amid criticism on TikTok, emphasizing comfort and pride in her home. She explains her journey in the U.S. and dismisses disparaging comments.


A Cuban woman living in Tampa, Florida, defended herself on TikTok against criticism for living in a trailer, responding to a comment that questioned her housing choice and labeled it as "for low-income people." In the video, which has sparked reactions and support on social media, the woman, identified as Lisandra Rivas (@lisandrarivas5), shared details about her home and expressed her pride in the life she leads.

"Let's start the day with a positive attitude, you see ma'am, I live wherever I want. Just like that, clearly," Lisandra began, making it clear that her choice to live in a trailer is personal and suitable for her needs. The Cuban described her trailer as a comfortable home with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a terrace currently under construction, located in what she considers "the best park in Tampa." She explained that this place is "super nice" and she pays 900 dollars a month.

In her response, Lisandra also recounted the journey she has taken since arriving in the United States, moving through various low-cost housing options and small studios before settling into this trailer, which she asserts offers her greater comfort. “I first lived in a studio that cost $300; it was a small room… then I moved to an apartment in Tampa where I paid $1,500 for a bedroom and a bathroom,” she explained, detailing the difficulties and adjustments she has faced in her search for decent and affordable housing.

Lisandra defended the dignity of living in a trailer, emphasizing that these spaces can feel like "a little home," and although they don't have the luxury of a large house with a pool, they provide a cozy and functional place to live. Her message was clear and straightforward: “Don't interfere in other people's lives because one lives where one can live. But one must be honest; that is my only quality. I don't ask for anything from anyone. You mind your own business and get yourself a life.”

Lisandra's response was prompted by a disparaging comment that said, "Mima, I thought you had bought a house, but what you bought was a trailer. Oh, mima, when you can, sell that; trailers are for low-income people."

“Oh, a a trailer for people with low resources? I live in one and it cost me $89,000; that’s not low resource,” “I expect Dorothy to live in a mansion with eight bedrooms and twelve bathrooms, complete with a pool and an ocean view,” “You don’t owe anyone explanations. I live in one in Orlando, I don’t pay rent, and I live however I want, good response,” “Trailers aren't for low resource folks because mine cost $26,000 and I’m the happiest person in the world. Many have homes but also 30-year debts,” or “Good response, just like a true Cuban,” some users replied to Lisandra Rivas.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from King Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.