At 26, Cuban native Harold González shared a pivotal moment from his life on Instagram (@harold_glez_99), detailing his journey of coming out. In a heartfelt video testimony, Harold revealed how fear of familial rejection kept him from disclosing his relationships for years, until love ultimately compelled him to break his silence.
"This year, I came out. For years, I concocted excuses to hide my relationships from my family. I often stayed out, claiming I was partying with friends. But then I met someone who made me feel at peace, joyful, and free. It was then I decided: it's time to stop hiding," he shared.
The first person he told was his mother, directly and without hesitation. "Mom, tomorrow I'm bringing my boyfriend home." Following this, he faced reactions from his father, siblings, and friends. While there was surprise, confusion, and a few comments, he also discovered unexpected support.
"The hardest part was living with myself, fearing judgment and criticism. But I realized something powerful: nothing is stronger than me, and no one is braver than I am. Today, I am grateful for this chance and for the support of my family and partner," Harold asserted.
Harold's story adds to a growing dialogue about sexual diversity in Cuba and the broader region. In 2019, Mexican youth Alejandro Rodríguez touched many hearts with a video capturing his parents' reactions when he shared his sexual orientation. Back in 2017, Cuban YouTuber Pollito Tropical encouraged a 15-year-old follower to "jump out of the closet," sharing his own experience and the support he received from his mother.
Recently, other young Cubans have shared deeply personal stories marked by vulnerability and poverty. For instance, in a viral video, 25-year-old Yasiel Guerra from Havana revealed that at 15, he accepted money from a foreigner for sex, highlighting the persistent issue of youth prostitution in Cuban society.
A Struggle Between Repression and Freedom
Meanwhile, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has attempted to portray the fight against homophobia as a "socialist ideal," conveniently overlooking the historical repression, such as the forced labor camps of the 1960s where many homosexuals were sent.
Harold's testimony is particularly significant against the backdrop of Cuba's current situation. In September 2022, the Family Code was enacted, legalizing same-sex marriage, recognizing civil unions, allowing same-sex couples to adopt, doubling women's rights, and promoting domestic equality. However, lukewarm social support for these reforms, combined with a deeply ingrained macho culture, threatens to stifle or slow progress.
Stories like Harold's underscore the gap between official rhetoric and the reality faced by many Cubans, who still grapple with fear, prejudice, and silence. Yet his message remains hopeful: "If you see yourself in this video, know you're not alone. You will emerge, and when you do, you will be stronger."
Understanding LGBTQ+ Challenges in Cuba
What inspired Harold González to come out?
Harold González was inspired to come out due to the peace, happiness, and freedom he found in his relationship, which motivated him to stop hiding his true self.
How has Cuba's legal landscape changed regarding LGBTQ+ rights?
In September 2022, Cuba passed the Family Code, which legalized same-sex marriage, recognized civil unions, allowed same-sex couples to adopt, and aimed to enhance women's rights and domestic equality.
What challenges do LGBTQ+ individuals still face in Cuba?
Despite legal advancements, LGBTQ+ individuals in Cuba continue to face cultural challenges, including a deeply entrenched machismo and limited social support for reforms.