Spanish-based Cuban TikToker @lesyanisportilla has touched the hearts of thousands with her heartfelt story explaining why she left her homeland. "Do you know why I left Cuba? It wasn't just about food scarcity; it was the absurdity of being denied the very things offered to tourists in my own country," she states in an emotional video shared weeks ago.
Her frustrations extend beyond food, as she laments, "Cuba stripped me of my freedom, my hope, my voice." Despite her deep affection for her birthplace, she felt compelled to leave: "I had no choice but to escape, nearly forced out, because staying meant living without any hope."
In her message, @lesyanisportilla conveys a sense of powerlessness over the stagnant political landscape: "Living in a place devoid of hope isn't cowardice; the real cowardice lies in staying put, knowing there's no fight left. The Cuban people won't rise against the dictatorship without external help or a united national effort."
She concludes with a note on unity: "Those of us abroad can only hope that change will come, that all Cubans, both on the island and in the diaspora, will unite to finally topple the oppressive regime that keeps us down."
Her words resonated on TikTok, drawing widespread empathy and support from both Cubans and international viewers. Many emphasize that her pain isn't directed at Cuba as a nation but at the oppressive system driving the exodus. The platform is filled with messages of hope, calls for unity, and similar tales from others who have left for personal or familial reasons.
This testimony is among several shared by @lesyanisportilla. In January 2025, she highlighted the economic disparities between Spain and Cuba. In July 2023, she described the dire situation of Cuban families sharing a single towel: "One towel for everyone. That's life in Cuba."
Her narrative aligns with other exiled voices on social media. Yexela González, a Cuban mother in Madrid, expressed in June, "I was happy in Cuba... but motherhood made me realize I had to leave." Her children dream of simple pleasures like visiting a zoo or water park: "A Cuban parent must choose which dream to fulfill for their child each year, often only partially." She added, "I don't want to be a grandmother stuck in Cuba. I want to be just a flight away." Her message also gained traction online.
Another poignant story is that of Carlos Camilo, a Cuban father who moved to Chile five months ago with his son, who suffers from a rare neurodegenerative disease. "Today marks five months since we arrived in Chile. Each month brings mixed emotions of joy and sadness," he shared on Facebook. "It's painful to realize that what we have here could be much better there, but it's just not possible."
These narratives reveal the deep motivations behind each departure: a child's future, a chance at life, a glimmer of hope. From different corners of the world, stories from Cubans like @lesyanisportilla, Yexela González, and Carlos Camilo speak of tough choices intertwined with love, dignity, and the yearning for freedom.
Understanding the Cuban Diaspora
Why did @lesyanisportilla leave Cuba?
She left due to the oppressive conditions in Cuba, including food scarcity and lack of freedom, which left her without hope.
What are the main challenges faced by Cubans who decide to emigrate?
Cubans often leave due to the lack of basic necessities, such as food and freedom, and the desire for a better future for themselves and their families.
How do Cuban expatriates view the possibility of change in Cuba?
Many believe that significant change will only occur with external help or a strong, unified effort from both Cubans abroad and those on the island.