Lisbeth Fernández, first runner-up of the Miss Universe Cuba pageant 2025, has made a significant impact after speaking out about the historic protests of July 11 in Cuba, stating that the Cuban people "are ready to stop surviving and start living."
His words were part of a message shared on social media to mark the fourth anniversary of the massive protests of 2021.
During her participation in the final gala of the competition, recently held in Miami, Fernández used her final response to highlight the situation in Cuba.
“I didn’t respond just to respond, I responded to send a message,” he said. In his reflection, he linked his statement to the anniversary of July 11th, remembering that it was on this date when thousands of Cubans rose up “to show the world that it is time to create a new version of the Island.”
“People are accustomed to seeing a Cuba without a voice, poor and silenced, but these acts of social bravery show us that the people are ready to stop surviving and start living,” the young woman stated, in a message that has been widely shared on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Fernández made it clear that his speech does not aim to do politics, but rather to defend human rights and the dignity of the Cuban people.
"This is not politics, it is human rights, it is history, it is dignity," expressed the Cuban born in Consolación del Sur.
She added that her commitment as the runner-up of the contest is to continue showcasing Cuban talent and to use her platform "to remind the world that Cubans have much to contribute to humanity."
The young woman also rejected the compassionate view with which Cubans abroad have traditionally been portrayed: "We don't need pity, we need opportunities and freedom," she said.
Lisbeth Fernández's statements have been met with support on social media, especially by Cubans both on and off the island, who are thankful for her bravery in addressing such a sensitive topic from a platform like a beauty pageant.
The winner of the contest, Lina Luaces, joined the commemoration of 11J by sharing an emotional post on Instagram, in which she appears wrapped in the Cuban flag.
From the platform, he expressed his solidarity with the Cubans who protested in 2021 against the regime on the island. Although he was not born in Cuba, Luaces emphasized his connection to his Cuban roots and his commitment to the memory of this historic day.
“On that day, July 11, my people shouted what many had silenced for decades. They shouted for those who cannot, for those who have left, for those who continue to dream of returning. My blood carries their scars, their music, their strength. Although the sea separates us, my heart marches with you,” the young woman affirmed.
Lina Luaces, daughter of the Cuban presenter Lili Estefan and niece of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, two artists who have been paradigms within the Cuban exile, concluded her message with a powerful phrase: “We do not forget. We do not remain silent. Homeland and Life. Always.”
Frequently asked questions about Miss Universe Cuba 2025 and the protests of July 11th
What has been Lisbeth Fernández's message regarding the protests on July 11 in Cuba?
Lisbeth Fernández stated that the Cuban people are ready to stop surviving and start living, referring to the anniversary of the protests on July 11, 2021. During the Miss Universe Cuba 2025 pageant, she took the opportunity to raise awareness about the situation on the island and to advocate for human rights and the dignity of the Cuban people, emphasizing that what is needed is freedom and opportunities, not pity.
How has Lina Luaces reacted to the criticism regarding her selection as Miss Universe Cuba?
Lina Luaces has used her platform to commemorate the 11J and express solidarity with the Cuban people, stating that, although she was not born in Cuba, her connection to the island is profound. She has faced criticism for not being born on the island and for her ties to the entertainment world, but she has emphasized that the representation of Cuba should not be measured by the suffering experienced on the island, but by the commitment and love for its culture and roots.
What stance has Lisbeth Fernández taken regarding the combination of beauty and faith in Miss Universe Cuba?
Lisbeth Fernández defends that beauty and faith can go hand in hand, being the first openly Christian contestant to participate in Miss Universe Cuba. She has emphasized that beauty pageants do not contradict Christian values when viewed from a different perspective, and she seeks to demonstrate that one can be beautiful and love God.
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