Reinaldo Arenas and being homosexual in Cuba

Reinaldo Arenas was a Cuban writer who grew up in the countryside. At first, like many people of his generation, he believed in the Cuban Revolution. But over time, he became disappointed because he felt people weren't free to express their opinions. His first novel was very successful, but it was later banned in Cuba, so he started secretly sending his manuscripts abroad to be published.

On top of that, because he was gay and openly criticized the government, he faced a lot of persecution. He was constantly watched, ended up in prison, in the Cuban labor camps (UMAC) and eventually left Cuba during the Mariel boatlift. After settling in the United States, he wrote some of his most famous books, including his autobiography, "Before night falls" (Antes que anochezca,) where he tells the story of everything he went through. He continued speaking out against the Cuban government until the end of his life, and today many people remember him as a symbol of free expression.

Sadly, this is the reality of pretty much every single even remotely successful Cuban writer in the island after 1959.