Overview
Embark on a transformative journey with us as we delve into the intricacies of identity and sexuality in Cuba. Our exploration kicks off in Havana, where we’ll engage with vital issues surrounding women and women of color in Cuban society with a renowned filmmaker. Additionally, we’ll delve into aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community and we’ll meet with a sociologist to understand the intersection of race and gender in Cuban society. A specialist will speak to us on Afro Cuban religions and identity, while another will guide us through the unique experiences of Cuban transformistas (transgender persons), offering insights into Cuba’s distinctive approach to transitioning. We’ll also connect with the Cuban Multidisciplinary Society for the Study of Sexuality to explore their impactful work in gender and sexuality. Engage in meaningful discussions with lawmakers as we address LGBTQ rights and the family code.
Stepping away from the urban hustle, we’ll journey to Santa Clara, where a special community program doubles as a supportive hub for the LGBTQ community. Next, our path will lead us to the port-town of Cienfuegos, where we’ll stay overnight in charming casas. Returning to Havana for our final day, we’ll make a poignant stop in the town of Matanzas to delve into Cuba’s history, specifically exploring the nuanced topics of race and slavery.
Join us on this insightful expedition, where each destination unveils a layer of Cuba’s rich tapestry, offering a profound understanding of identity, sexuality, and the vibrant communities shaping the nation’s narrative. We’ll also take in plenty of arts and culture including visits to historic plazas, the fine arts museum, the Che Guevara Mausoleum and monument and much more.
For a draft itinerary please email drea@globalexchange.org
What’s Included
Double Rooms
Single Room Upgrade
Available for $180 extra
In country transport
Prep Reading materials
Trip leader
A fluent English speaking Cuban guide to facilitate, preparatory materials.
Two meals a day
Two meals daily (usually breakfast and lunch)
Admission fees
To all program activities
Accomodations
- 5 star accommodations in Havana
- Casas particulares in Cienfuegos
What’s Not Included
Does not include expenses of a purely personal nature, trip insurance, R/T flights from your originating city to Miami, accommodations in Miami, or luggage fees
Does not include tips for meals, guides and drivers
Roommates are also not a guarantee though we will make every effort possible to accommodate your request
If a roommate is unavailable you are responsible for the single supplement fee. Cuba trip deposits are non-refundable once trip is confirmed
Please note that flights to and from Cuba are also not included, however we will facilitate the arrangement of flights with our partners.
Itinerary
Times and events subject to change
Draft Itinerary for the Identity and Sexuality in Cuba Trip 2024
- Arrival at Jose Marti Airport, greeted by your guide and driver
- Walking tour of Old Havana and the four main historic plazas; all a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Lunch TBD
- Check in to the Hotel Gran Aston
- Dinner and evening on your own
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 10am Visit to the Fine Arts Museum to enjoy a guided tour with a specialist viewing the Cuba collection.
- Visit to the neighborhood of Regla to learn more about multifaceted Afro Cuban religions.
- Lunch TBA
- Meet with renowned filmmaker Gloria Rolando to learn of her work and the challenges Women and Women of Color face in the media.
- Welcome Dinner at La Torre
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Meeting with ICAP (The Cuban Friendship Institute) your host institution while in Cuba, to discuss Cuba/US relations.
- Meeting with CENESEX (National Center for Sexual Education) an organization founded by Mariela Castro, to learn of their important work across Cuba.
- Lunch at El Aljibe for traditional Cuban food
- Visit to Habana Compas, a mostly female performance group, to enjoy their music and learn about their work.
- Dinner on your own
- Attend the canonazo ceremony, a historical reenactment that used to signal the closing of the harbor at day’s end. Enjoy a gorgeous view of Havana at night.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Meeting with Federation of Cuban Women, an important and well respected institution in Cuba that was developed during the time of the revolution. Learn about how their work developed and has evolved to today.
- Meeting with an expert to discuss race and gender in society.
- Lunch TBA
- Meeting with a community program to learn more about their work in Race and Gender (TBD)
- Dinner and evening on your own
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Meet with specialist to discuss transformistas (transgender persons) and sex changes in Cuba
- Lunch
- Following lunch we’ll have a unique meeting with the organizers of Cuba’s “Pride” celebrations, which correspond to the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia; a day that has grown to receive international recognition.
- Dinner on your own
- Visit to a Jazz Club to enjoy Cuban Jazz
- Breakfast at Hotel
- This morning we’ll begin with a meeting with specialists belonging to the Cuban Multidisciplinary Society for the Study of Sexuality (SOCUMES) to learn of their work and overview of gender and sexuality in Cuba.
- Lunch TBA
- Meeting with the Union of Cuban Jurists to discuss the rights of LGBTQ peoples and the most recent and epic changes to the family code, etc.
- Dinner and evening on your own
- Breakfast at hotel
- Following breakfast we’ll depart for Santa Clara with a stop to freshen up along the way.
- Upon arrival in Santa Clara, we’ll meet with Ramon Silveria, founder of Club Mejunje, to learn of their programs for the LGBTQ Community; a program that is unique to all of Cuba!
- Enjoy Lunch in Santa Clara
- Afternoon visit to the mausoleum of Che Guevara then depart for Cienfuegos
- Check into casas particulares in Cienfuegos
- Dinner on your own
- After dinner we will reconvene to participate in a CDR Visit. The CDR’s or Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, are essentially a block organization that can be found in every Cuban neighborhood since the time of the revolution. During this visit you will learn how the committees serve the community now. This is also the best time to bring donations to the community as well as enjoy snacks and beverages together and more importantly to exchange with Cuban’s in their neighborhood and learn about the realities of their day to day life.
- Breakfast at your casa and then depart for Matanzas, a port city located on the north coast of Cuba and known for its danzon, rumba and Afro-Cuban folklore!
- Upon arrival we’ll visit San Severino Castle to learn a bit about slavery in Cuba and it’s influence on the city.
- Enjoy lunch in Matanzas
- Depart for Havana
- Check back into Hotel Gran Aston
- Dinner and evening on your own
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Today we’ll slow down a little and begin with a visit to the San Jose Artisan Market; an example of the small business enterprises in Cuba.
- Following the market we’ll visit Coral Falso community project to learn about their work and then we’ll enjoy a lovely lunch thoughtfully prepared for us by the folks at the project.
- After lunch we’ll return to the hotel to prepare for your return to US
- Farewell dinner
- Evenign on your own
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Depart for Airport
- Return to US
