The Cuban Harold González, 26 years old, shared an important moment in his life on his Instagram profile (@harold_glez_99), which was his "coming out."
In a video testimony, he confessed how for years he hid his relationships out of fear of family rejection, until love pushed him to break the silence.
“This year I came out of the closet. For years I made up excuses so that my family wouldn't know I had a partner. I always stayed out late claiming I was at a party with friends. But I met a guy who made me feel at peace, happy, free. And I told myself: it’s time, I don’t want to hide anymore,” he shared.
The first step was to tell her mother, straightforwardly. “Mom, tomorrow I’m going to the house with my boyfriend”. Then came the reaction from her father, her siblings, and her friends. There was surprise, doubts, and comments, but also the discovery of unexpected support.
The hardest part was living with myself, with the fear of what others would say, with criticism. But I realized something powerful: nothing is stronger than me, nothing and no one is braver than me. Today I am grateful to life for giving me this opportunity and for the support of my family and my partner,” he stated.
Harold's story adds to a series of testimonies that have shaped the conversation about sexual diversity in Cuba and the region. In 2019, the young Mexican Alejandro Rodríguez moved millions when he filmed his parents' reaction after coming out to them about his sexual orientation.
In 2017, Cuban YouTuber Pollito Tropical advised a 15-year-old follower: “Jump out of the closet,” recalling his own experience and the support of his mother.
More recently, in Cuba, other young people have shared stories marked by vulnerability and poverty. The Habanero Yasiel Guerra, 25 years old, confessed in a viral video that at 15 he accepted money from a foreigner in exchange for sex, a testimony that exposed youth prostitution as an open wound in Cuban society.
Between repression and the search for freedom
Meanwhile, from the political power, the ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel has tried to present the fight against homophobia as a “socialist ideal”, forgetting the repression of past decades, when thousands of homosexuals were sent to the UMAP, forced labor camps in the sixties.
The importance of Harold's testimony also lies in the contrast with the current situation in Cuba. In September 2022, the Family Code was approved, a legal text that opened the doors to same-sex marriage, recognized civil unions, allowed adoption by same-sex couples, doubled women's rights, and promoted equity in domestic tasks. However, the lukewarm social support for these reforms and the persistence of a deeply machista culture on the island threaten to silence or hinder their defenders.
Stories like Harold's reveal the contrast between official rhetoric and the reality of many Cubans who still carry fears, prejudices, and silences. His message, however, is one of hope: "If you resonate with this video, I want to tell you that you are not alone. You will get out, and when you do, you will be stronger."
Frequently Asked Questions about Sexual Diversity and the Social Context in Cuba
What was Harold González's experience like when he "came out of the closet" in Cuba?
Harold González shared his experience of "coming out" in Cuba through his Instagram account. For years, he hid his sexual orientation out of fear of family rejection, but he ultimately decided to be honest with his family. After telling his mother, he faced mixed reactions of surprise and support from his father, siblings, and friends. Despite his fears, he found unexpected support, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and the personal power of being who he truly is.
What is the situation of LGBTQ+ rights in Cuba today?
In Cuba, despite some advances in official rhetoric, the reality for the LGBTQ+ community remains complicated. The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel has tried to present the fight against homophobia as a “socialist ideal,” but many Cubans still face fears and prejudices. Historically, the government has repressed homosexuals, sending them to forced labor camps in the sixties. Personal accounts, such as that of Harold González, highlight the contrast between official rhetoric and the lived reality for many.
What impact do the testimonies of young Cubans on sensitive issues in society have?
The testimonies of young Cubans on sensitive topics, such as sexual diversity and poverty, are vital for opening the debate and bringing uncomfortable realities to light in Cuban society. Stories like those of Harold González, Yasiel Guerra, and others not only expose personal situations but also challenge the official narrative and promote conversation about issues that are often avoided in the Cuban political and social environment.
How does the reality of LGBTQ+ youth in Cuba contrast with that of other countries?
The reality for LGBTQ+ youth in Cuba, while showing some progress in certain aspects, is still fraught with challenges compared to other countries. While many young people in Cuba face fears and prejudices, in other nations like Spain or the United States, LGBTQ+ rights are more established and there is a higher level of social acceptance. However, narratives like that of Harold González reflect a growing bravery among young Cubans to share their stories and seek support, which is essential for social change.
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