Evangelism and the LGBTQ+ community in Cuba
Between heaven and hell
Cuba (2022-in process)
In September, the island could become the ninth Latin American country to recognize same-sex marriage.
The New Families Code will be put to a referendum vote on Sept. 25th after being debated in community meetings earlier this year. Opponents to the rule change include many churches. In the midst of a wave of religious fundamentalism, inclusive churches are becoming a key player in the debate for its approval.
Tony was born on the Isle of Youth, and all his life he was a Christian. "When I saw on Facebook that there was an inclusive church I had to come and see it with my own eyes. I wondered on what principles they rely on to say that we are not sinners, as they have always told us." Tony came with his friend Ernesto to Havana and since then they attend services every Sunday. "We rented a room in Centro Habana, we are going to try living here, the Isle (of Youth) is beautiful but the society is very homophobic."
Luna is 20 years old, and from the age of three she was already telling her mother that she was a woman. When she turned seven, her mother converted to evangelism and throughout her life the people around her tried to transform her desires. "They would tell my mom that I had a problem and that she had to help me. During the services they did all kinds of things to get the demon out of me." It wasn't until she was 18 that her family accepted her decision and supported her in her transition. Luna takes hormones every day and is on a waiting list for surgery, although she believes she will have the operation in another country, because like many young people in Cuba, her plan is to emigrate in the near future. "Every day I am sad thinking about the time I lost. Hormones should start to be taken at least at the age of 12 to slow down male puberty. And I only started two years ago."
The worship began at 9 pm with these words from the priest Gustavo: "Thank God for allowing us to be here today, gays, lesbians, transsexuals, bisexuals, in front of God, free, and without censorship."
[spanish]