News: International: Caribbean

As reported on Oct 23, nine young gay men were arrested on Oct 20, while on their way to a staging of Theorems Apology, a gay-themed theatrical presentation to mark World Day of HIV Testing.

According to Jaime Duran, 34, assistant to the play, the event was held at the residence of Henry Estevez Solis, a professor of performance and a promoter of parties for the LGBT community, and the Gay Freedom Party.

On the night of the performance, Solis' house was monitored by agents of the state security who allowed the first few people to enter the premises, but later began to select others as they approached the entrance, especially many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth by requesting identification. Reports state that the agents did not explain the reasons for the arrest of the nine young men, but one officer who arrested "The Cambel," a 19-year-old transvestite, shouted that she was imprisoned for being a "slut."

"Only 28 people managed to get into the house to experience the play by the group of independent theater performers and directed by Tripod Yusmania Noublet," said Solis.

None of the nine men arrested had any pending legal cases. They were taken to the police station in Santiago de Las Vegas and released hours after the play had ended without being fined or given any explanation for their arrest.

Alejandro Perez Perez, a 20-year-old actor and star of the play, said, "I thank the Cuban Foundation LGBT Reinaldo Arenas in memory, which gives us the opportunity to provide a space where we can express ourselves."