In Part 1, photographer & journalist Byron Motley described the sea change in the Castro government toward LGBT Cubans and those with HIV and AIDS, as well as an organization formed with government approval and a member of the Castro family advocating for gay rights. In Part 2 of this EDGE exclusive look at an island nation still officially off limits to Americans, he looks at the lives of ordinary Cubans and how this change in attitude is affecting their daily lives.

“The people in Cuba have learned what homophobia is.” These are the words of Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) co-director and one of its founders, Camilo Garcia. The lanky, handsome 40-year-old activist has shared a 12-year relationship with his partner, Dr. Alberto Roque, who is also a staunch advocate for LGBT rights and a CENESEX co-founder. “Five years ago (Cubans) didn’t know anything about homophobia,” Garcia proudly states. “Now, they know it’s not a good thing and does not form positive human values.”

Similar to any gay and lesbian center in the United States, CENESEX is the place where Cuba’s LGBT community can be themselves, find a safe haven from harassment and judgment, and openly discuss issues relevant to their lives. Housed in a three-story former family-owned mansion, the government-owned edifice has been transformed into offices and multi-purposes rooms that the CENESEX staff utilizes to conduct a variety of informational programs, including safe sex classes, health care services and social events.

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