Gay Friendly Cuba

Bars, Accommodations and Beaches

 Cuba has become a bit more gay friendly in recent years but you should still ask around to find the most comfortable gay-friendly hotels, private houses for rent and gay nightlife spots in Cuba.

The gay scene is tolerated in some cities and some locations more than others so you need to do some research before you go then ask around for gay bars and gay friendly lodging in Cuba.

The transvestite movement is big in Havana so if that's your thing, you should find plenty of men to entertain you. Ask around about gay parties in Havana called Fiestas de diez pesos then enjoy the ride... you know what I mean.

The Cine Yara on La Rampa at L street in Vedado Havana is a good place to look for action. Of course there is the Malecon which is Havana seawall boulevard. EVERYONE loves to hang out there.

The lesbian scene is very much underground so girls, if you are looking for gay women in Cuba, you are going to have to look around pretty hard.

You can read more about being gay in Cuba but don't expect a gay pride parade in Cuba. There was a Queers to Cuba tour in 2007 so maybe you can get more information from that article.

Resources for Gays in Cuba

The Canadian webiste Gay Cuba offers this video interview with Mariela Castro (Raul Castro's daughter) and head of the Cenesex ministry (yes, that is really the name of the ministry in charge of sexual awareness in Cuba). It is located in Vedado Havana at #460 Calle 10.

The Gay Scene in Havana Cuba

According to Christopher Baker's Moon Handbook, in Habana Vieja which is Old Havana, the El Café Mercurio on Oficios between Lamparilla and Amargura attracts a gay crowd. A transvestite show is hosted at the Sociedad Cultural Rosalía de Castro at Avenue de Bélgica #504 alto between Máximo Gómez and Dragones Streets.

In Centro Habana, the Castropol (Malecón #107 at the corner of Genios street has a drag cabaret Monday though Thursday at 11:30 p.m.

La Pampa at Marina #102 on the corner of Vapor street is a smoky, down-to-earth disco while in Vedado, the La Arcada at Calle M or M street is known to be open 24 hours and is always packed. The cramped, humid Club Tropical at Línea and F is open till 3am and occasionally acts as a gay venue, as does the steamy cellar bar, Club Saturno at Línea between 10 and 12 streets, open till 2:30am.

Gay Travel and Accommodations in Cuba

Current information regarding gay travel in Cuba is very hard to come by but GayClubList.com offers some private houses for rent in Cuba for gays and the AnswerBank offers some information. Our sister site Cuba Casas is a great resource for finding Casas Particulares or private houses for rent in Cuba. Try to find a private house with a separate entrance or try to rent an entire house or apartment so you don't even have to deal with the owners once you move in.