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Mariette  Allen

SPE Member since 2000
Member Chapter: Northeast

TransCuba

Cuba is a country transitioning from strict communism to a more relaxed form of it. At the same time, sexual minorities in this macho-inclined country are becoming more visible and less despised. I met Amanda, Nomi and Malu at the Las Vegas Club in Havana. I was moved and very grateful to them for their generosity for showing me their lives, without embarrassment or resentment for the difficulties they encounter. Instead, through sharing their time with me Amanda and Nomi offered me their Havana, and their community.

1. Lady and Laura, at the Las Vegas Club, Havana

2. Performer at the Las Vegas Club, Havana

3. Nomi in a hotel lobby, Havana

4. Nomi and Miguel in the mirror, at Malu’s apartment, Havana

5. Nomi and Miguel, partners, watching television at Malu’s apartment, Havana

6. Amanda at home wearing Eiffel Tower T-shirt, Havana

7. Amanda’s sofa, Havana

8. In Amanda’s bedroom, Havana

9. Amanda, at the Malecón, Havana

10. Anais De Trevis aka Arnoldo, performer, outside the apartment he shares with his partner, Enrique, Havana

11. Paloma with her boyfriend at Mi Cayito beach, near Havana

12. Miguel observing Amanda and Henry, at Malu’s apartment, Havana

13. Miguel at a barber shop, Havana

14. “Socialismo Siempre” sign

15. Nomi living at a friend’s house, with friend’s father, Havana

16. Laura at home, Havana

17. Rapunzel, fifteen years old, Havana

18. Tattoo artist’s mirror, Cienfuegos

19. Sheila at her aunt’s apartment, Ciego de Avila

20. The view from Natalie’s window, Havana

21. Malu with her parents and sister, in front of their home, Cienfuegos

22. Erika at home, Cienfuegos

23. Wendy at home, Havana

24. Walking at night, Havana

25. Waiting for customers, Havana

26. Orlando, dressmaker, with partner, Yosvany, Havana

27. Charito at home with one-week-old piglet, Camagüey

28. Alsola, Santiago de Cuba

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