Some said plainclothes security officers stopped them and used violence on them. More than 100 demonstrators took to the streets of the capital, Havana.
Activists then organized an alternative march on the same day, Saturday 11 May. In May 2019, communist authorities in Cuba unexpectedly cancelled the annual conga against homophobia. Pride in Cuba LGBTI rights supporters taking part in the unauthorized march through Havana | Photo: Twitter And they might face violence by extremists groups if they do go ahead. Whether authorities claim security concerns or blame Pride to promote ‘dangerous’ values, LGBTI events often don’t get the green light. Many LGBTI communities put their effort, time and money in parades that don’t always take place. But a smooth march isn’t always the case. Taking to the streets to march in fabulous outfits and unapologetically affirm your identity is one of the crucial elements of most parades in Western, liberal countries. In certain nations where being LGBTI is illegal – or the so-called ‘LGBTI propaganda’ is – governments and local authorities have banned Pride parades on multiple occasions. A few weeks into Pride month 2019, it is worth remembering not every country has the freedom to organize a parade.
