A transgender Cuban woman has admitted to engaging in prostitution to save money and leave the country, emphasizing that life in Cuba is unbearable for everyone, but especially for her due to constant discrimination. Vanessa Aballes Cruz shared her harrowing experience with Cubanet, detailing the discriminatory treatment she received from the police after being robbed and beaten near Coppelia a few days ago.
Aballes Cruz recounted that upon arriving at a police station to report the robbery and assault, she was treated in a discriminatory manner. “They characterize me based on what I used to be, not who I am now,” she said, proudly referring to her name change. “They treated me badly and judged me, like what? Like a faggot,” she said bitterly, adding that the street attack has left her traumatized and fearful of going outside.
“This country is a mess... There’s no life here, that’s what my heart truly says. There’s no life here. This government, this discrimination... This is not a life for anyone. Nobody wants to live here. I’m making money to leave,” she added, referring to the bleak future that awaits her as a transgender person in Cuba.
Hailing from the Majibacoa municipality in Las Tunas province, Vanessa Aballes described her official name change as a rebirth that allowed her to embody her true self. However, she laments that this change has only brought more discrimination and rejection from society, authorities, and even her own family.
“I came to Havana to find life, to try to change my life, to fight for a better future,” she confessed. She advises others like her to leave the country to fulfill their dreams. In the comments section of her moving testimony on YouTube, dozens of people expressed sorrow over the plight of Cuba’s youth and confirmed that leaving the country is the only promise of a dignified life under the current conditions.
Challenges Faced by Transgender Individuals in Cuba
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers concerning the struggles and experiences of transgender individuals in Cuba, based on Vanessa Aballes Cruz's testimony.
Why did Vanessa Aballes Cruz turn to prostitution?
Vanessa Aballes Cruz turned to prostitution to save money in order to leave Cuba, where she faces severe discrimination and finds life unbearable.
How was Vanessa treated by the police after being assaulted?
Vanessa was treated in a discriminatory manner by the police, who judged her based on her past identity rather than her current one.
What does Vanessa say about the future for transgender people in Cuba?
Vanessa believes that there is no future for transgender people in Cuba due to the pervasive discrimination and lack of opportunities.