A renowned British activist was barred from entering the United States to participate in a WorldPride event after having traveled to Cuba, a country that Washington keeps on its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, known as Lady Phyll, an advocate for LGBTQ rights and founder of UK Black Pride, reported that U.S. authorities revoked her entry authorization through the ESTA system, a measure that was implemented after she recently visited Cuba.
Lady Phyll was set to deliver the opening speech at the WorldPride human rights conference, held from June 4 to 6 in Washington, but she was unable to board her flight after being informed of the revocation.
"I've called. I've written. I've begged," he expressed in a live broadcast. "And the response was a cold and bureaucratic 'no'."
In a public post on Facebook on June 6, Lady Phyll explained that her trip to Cuba was an act of solidarity, learning, and love. “And that was the only reason used to deny me entry,” she wrote. “But the systems that try to silence us should already know: we don't disappear just because we are silenced. I still show up.”
Since her virtual intervention at WorldPride, the activist highlighted the role of trans individuals, migrants, and “truth tellers,” and denounced that colonial laws continue to be used as weapons against the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Our joy is sacred. Our joy is protest.", she declared. "And the symbolic ally is not enough."
Traveling to Cuba currently constitutes a violation of ESTA criteria, following President Donald Trump's official reinstatement of the island on the list of state sponsors of terrorism on January 20, 2025, just hours after he resumed the presidency.
With that measure, Trump revoked the memorandum signed by his predecessor Joe Biden just a week earlier, which certified Cuba's removal from that list following an agreement mediated by the Catholic Church for the release of political prisoners on the island.
Cuba's inclusion on this list has specific consequences for travelers from U.S. ally countries, such as the United Kingdom. In this case, Lady Phyll had her automatic entry to the country revoked, and although she applied for a temporary visa, she was informed that she would not be able to enter U.S. territory until September, causing her to lose the opportunity to participate in the event in person.
Despite the ban, Lady Phyll shared her words with the audience of WorldPride virtually, urging the global LGBTQ community to stay united and strong in the fight for justice.
“Enjoy Pride, walk together, walk with pride, and speak with pride,” he said. “Be bold and brave in our fight.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Immigration Ban on LGBTQ Activists and the Situation in Cuba
Why was Lady Phyll denied entry to the United States?
Lady Phyll was banned from entering the United States for having visited Cuba, a country that was re-added to the list of state sponsors of terrorism by the Trump administration. This restriction affects travelers who have been to countries included on that list, meaning that her entry authorization through the ESTA system was revoked.
How does Cuba's inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism affect travelers?
The inclusion of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism implies immigration restrictions for travelers who have been to the island. This affects citizens of U.S. allied countries, who may have their automatic entry authorizations, such as the ESTA, revoked, and face difficulties in obtaining temporary visas to enter the United States.
What are the consequences of Trump's immigration policies for the LGBTQ community?
Trump's immigration policies have led to a decline in LGBTQ tourism to the U.S. due to new regulations affecting transgender and non-binary individuals. These policies require the presentation of documentation confirming "sex at birth," instilling fear and uncertainty among travelers, which has resulted in a significant decrease in travel bookings from Europe.
What impact does Trump's decision to reinstate Cuba on the terrorism list have?
Trump's decision to reintegrate Cuba into the list of state sponsors of terrorism has caused diplomatic tensions and intensified economic and immigration restrictions toward the island. This has provoked a strong reaction from the Cuban regime, which accuses the United States of using this measure as a tool for economic and political coercion.
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