However, despite the vibrancy of the Underworld and the breadth of its influence, Cuba still had laws that oppressed homosexuality and targeted gay men for harassment. Michel, the Intermezzo Bar, the Dirty Dick, and El Gato Tuerto in Havana. There were few LGBT-friendly bars in Cuban cities, such as the St. Therefore, while the LGBT community did not have official visibility, they had success in the job market for US tourists who were looking for homoerotic experiences. Homosexuality also was linked to gambling and crime. This job sector curtailed homosexual desire into the "Havana Underworld, which was run by the Cuban homosexual bourgeoise." Homosexuality was a component of the thriving industry of prostitution in Cuba, with many gay men drawn into prostitution largely for visitors and servicemen from the United States. Moreover, rural communities would often alienate their LGBT community or family members deeming them the "village queer" or the "village idiot." Due to the uneven job market, Havana around the 1950s allowed for closeted occupational life and the underground job sector continued to grow aside from tourism like, drug distribution, gambling, and prostitution. Most of the community migrated toward Havana in search of jobs and sexual liberation. The job market was uneven at the time and the "Afro-Hispanic culture was very patriarchal and emphasized a compulsory toxic and heterosexual society, especially in rural areas. Due to the emphasis on traditional heteronormativity, there were few enclaves where the queer community could congregate together in a common space. Pre-revolutionary Cuba was a place of intolerance toward the LGBT community. 5.1.2 Law on the Registry of Civil Status.3 Recognition of same-sex relationships.
1.2.5 Fidel Castro admits responsibility.1.2.4 More rapid liberalization since 1990.1.2.3 Gradual liberalization during the 1980s.1.2.2 Negative attitudes during most of the 1970s.1.2.1 Homophobia and labor camps during the 1960s.
Pride parades in Havana were held every May, to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, with attendance having grown every year. Educational campaigns on LGBT issues are currently implemented by the National Center for Sex Education (locally known as "CENESEX"), headed by Mariela Castro, daughter of former President and Communist Party First Secretary Raúl Castro. Historically, public antipathy towards LGBT people was high. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal in Cuba. The referendum was approved in April 2022.
On 7 September 2021, the government announced that the new Family Code will be brought to the National Assembly for approval, and then be put to popular vote this code will most likely legalize same-sex marriage if approved in the referendum. In May 2019, the Government announced that the Union of Jurists of Cuba is working on the new Family Code, which would address same-sex marriage. However, it was later removed from the draft Constitution. In 2018, the National Assembly voted to legalize same-sex marriage, with a constitutional referendum to be held in February 2019. It was not until recently that the attitudes and acceptance towards LGBT people changed to be more tolerant. Therefore, those who did not fit the mold of the societal construct were deemed as either outcasts or as unproductive. During the Revolution the combination of socialism and traditional morality only exacerbated the marginalization of the LGBT community even more. Cuba was rooted on the basis of heteronormativity, traditional gender roles, and strict criteria for moralism. Since pre-Revolutionary times, the LGBT community has been marginalized due to distinct criteria. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Cuba may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. No recognition of same-sex unions (Same-sex marriage pending) LGBT people allowed to serve openly since 1993Ĭonstitutional protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity since 2019