“I was 15 years old. I had no money. He offered me money, and I accepted.” This is how Yasiel Guerra, a young Cuban identified on Instagram as yasiel0910, summarizes his first sexual experience with a foreigner.
Her testimony, raw and devoid of drama, has triggered a wave of comments among those who see in her words a reflection of an uncomfortable reality marked by poverty, sexuality shaped by circumstance, and youth prostitution in Cuba.
In a video recorded in El Vedado, which he refers to as "the real studio," Yasiel shares his story without any fuss. He mentions that on that day he was simply tasked by his mother to sell a bag of sugar at the market.
He didn't have any money to go out with his friends. Suddenly, a foreigner stopped him in the middle of the Fraternity Park: “He told me I was handsome, that he wanted to have sex with me and that he would pay me well.”
He confesses that he had never done anything like that before. He hesitated. But the foreigner offered him money, “and at that moment the money was worth more,” and he agreed. Then they met a second time. “It wasn’t bad,” he says, but he also admits to feeling “weird” and confused. His account ends without victimhood, but reveals a painful story.
In the comments section of the video, users acknowledge the courage it takes to share such a story. Some see themselves reflected in it: "It’s like my story", wrote one. Another added: "The damn poverty in that country is unforgivable". There are also those who call out the silence surrounding adults who seduce minors in vulnerable situations: "Why don’t we analyze the behavior of the person convincing a 15-year-old to prostitute themselves?”
Youth prostitution and sexual tourism: an uncomfortable reality
Yasiel's confession reignites a debate that Cuban society often prefers to avoid. Already in 2023, CiberCuba featured the harrowing testimony of three young Cuban women aged between 19 and 22 who engaged in prostitution "because the situation is tough," charging up to 200 dollars to foreign tourists.
“We do it out of necessity, because this country is of no use”, said one of them.
But there is also male prostitution, which is less visible and more stigmatized. The book Pingueros en La Habana, by researcher Julio César González Pagés, documented 120 testimonies of young men who engaged in prostitution, many of whom were abused in childhood or driven by poverty. “It is an uncomfortable reality for Cuban society,” states the author.
Stories like Yasiel's also remind us of the film “Chamaco” (2010), directed by Juan Carlos Cremata, which was the first to address male prostitution and the nighttime culture of offered bodies and shattered dreams in Cuban cinema.
“I want to be a voice for all the young people who have had this experience, it’s not easy but it was my reality”, says Yasiel in the description of his post, and that is the significance of his story.
Frequently Asked Questions about Youth Prostitution and the Economic Situation in Cuba
What is the reality of youth prostitution in Cuba?
Youth prostitution in Cuba is a reality that reflects the poverty and vulnerability of young people on the island. The story of Yasiel Guerra, a young man who had his first sexual experience with a foreigner in exchange for money, is an example of how economic necessity drives many young people into prostitution. This phenomenon occurs among both males and females, although male prostitution is less visible and more stigmatized.
How does the economic situation affect young people in Cuba?
The precarious economic situation in Cuba severely affects young people, leading them to desperate situations such as prostitution. With low wages and an insufficient retirement system, many young people see no other option but to resort to prostitution or informal work to survive. The lack of decent job opportunities in the state sector causes many to turn to the private sector, which offers better income.
What role does the Cuban government play in relation to youth prostitution?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its lack of effective response to youth prostitution. Despite efforts to maintain the image of a just social system, living conditions on the island reveal a different reality, where many young people are forced into prostitution due to economic necessity. The government's inaction regarding the improvement of living conditions and the protection of vulnerable minors has drawn criticism from civil society.
What impact does Yasiel Guerra's testimony have on Cuban society?
Yasiel Guerra's testimony has sparked a debate about youth prostitution and poverty in Cuba. By sharing his experience, Yasiel has brought to light a reality that many prefer to ignore, highlighting the lack of protection for young people in vulnerable situations. His story has resonated with other young individuals who have faced similar experiences, fostering a necessary discussion about the causes and consequences of youth prostitution in the country.
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