Cuba gay

Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power (NAPP) approved a law allowing transgender people to self-declare their gender on official documents without first undergoing surgery.

The law will allow citizens to change their gender marker on identification cards by request, and will no longer require applicants to provide a court order or proof of bottom surgery.

Legal, but requires surgery

The gender marker on identity documents can only be changed if the applicant has undergone gender affirmation surgery, specifically genital surgery.

Convert enough cash to pay for one (around $25), wait in line, and head into Havana. In the square outside, you’ll find street performers and artists. For this reason, I’d strongly recommend a walking tour of Old Havana.

LGBTQ Cubans were persecuted for decades.

It’s a great introduction to the local LGBTQ history.

Day Two: Havana to Trinidad

• Transport: While you can go by bus, a shared taxi (taxi colectivo) costs the same and is usually faster. It’s located just outside the city center, offering a quieter dining experience. The following evidence must be accredited before the court: (1) the summary of the clinical records, (2) the descriptive medical criteria of the surgery with emphasis on its irreversibility, (3) a document confirming the intervention signed by the CENESEX, and (4) photographic records from before and after the intervention.

  The club also frequently hosts drag shows and themed nights, making every visit unique. Displays of affection among same-sex couples are generally frowned upon. 

  If you are traveling as a gay or lesbian couple, it’s smart to be discreet in public. The petitioner must submit their request for a change of gender marker before the Civil Section of the Local Court.

  While not specifically a gay venue, FAC is a hub of inclusivity and creativity, attracting a diverse and gay-friendly crowd.

  Spend your night wandering through its various rooms, catching a live band or DJ, and enjoying the mix of art and culture that makes FAC one of Havana’s most iconic spots. But planning a gay friendly Cuba trip requires a bit more planning and patience than most places, especially if you’re coming from the U.S.

  Getting to Cuba involves some unique legal requirements, and once you’re in, things like cash-only policies, language barriers, and varying levels of LGBTQ acceptance can affect your experience. Thankfully, there are plenty of casas particulares and boutique hotels that offer charm, comfort, and a warm welcome to gay travelers.

  ➡️ Casa Vitrales is a stylish boutique bed-and-breakfast that blends colonial charm with modern comforts.

  See this post for Airbnb alternatives I recommend.

  But for my gay friendly Cuba trip, the vacation rental site really came in handy. Even if you’re not a history buff, this museum provides valuable context to better understand Cuban society and culture today.

  ➡️ Ride in a Classic Car: One of the most quintessential Cuban experiences is a ride through Havana in a vintage 1950s car.

  In fact, on our way back from Vinales, we ended up sharing a taxi collectivo with two queer travelers and an oblivious straight woman.

  The straight woman was going on about all the cute Cuban guys…and we just locked eyes with the gender nonconforming queers in the front seat and shared an amused look!

  Is Cuba Safe if You’re LGBT?

  Cuba is generally safe for Americans.

  Cuban people are generally warm and welcoming toward tourists.

  Many classes are gay-friendly, creating a welcoming environment for all. In some parts of Havana, open gay life is more acceptable.

  I did see PDA at the gay beach and to a lesser degree on the Malecon.