Gay life in has expanded noticeably in recent years, although homosexual venues remain subject to police crackdowns. There are no established gay bars or clubs, which are banned, and the gay “scene” typically is relegated to “hangout” street locales. Most venues attract male prostitutes, called pingueros (from the Spanish word pinga or prick). Be careful who you give a ride to on 5ta Avenida, Miramar, as transvestite prostitutes trawl for clients by night.

Most nights there are one or more gay parties known as fiestas de diez pesosat private venues (entrance typically costs 10 pesos, or sometimes CUC1–2). Havana society is non-exclusionary, however; everyone is welcome, and the mix usually includes a sprinkling of straight, lesbian, and even transvestis. Private parties often feature drag shows. The “floating party” venues change nightly as they try to stay one step ahead of the police.To find out where the night’s gay party is, head to the Cine Yara (La Rampa y L, Vedado), opposite Coppelia, the ice-cream park made famous by the homoerotic Cuban movie Strawberry and Chocolate. This is Havana’s main cruising spot, particularly for transvestites. Likewise, gays gather at the Malecón at the foot of La Rampa, where the party spreads along the seafront boulevard at night.

Cine Yara is also the sole public venue for lesbians, who are less tolerated in this macho society.

There are no gay bars or restaurants in Havana. If you happen to find out any more information on places to visit please let us know.