Cuba – Like Her

Mariela Castro

Mariela Castro Espín, born into a family deeply involved in Cuban politics, has become a prominent advocate for LGBT+ rights in Cuba. As the director of the Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX), she has worked tirelessly to dissolve stigmas surrounding the community. Castro’s efforts have extended beyond Cuba’s borders, making her a prominent figure in international forums on LGBT+ rights. Her influence and dedication to promoting inclusivity have made a lasting impact on society.

CubaUnited StatesActivist

Ada Bello

Ada C. Bello (1933-2023) was a Cuban-American LGBT rights activist and medical laboratory researcher. She played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Philadelphia and was dedicated to fighting for equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community throughout her life. Bello’s activism began in the late 1960s when she co-founded the Philadelphia Chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis, and she later became an instrumental member of the Homophile Action League. Her advocacy work and determination have left an indelible mark on Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community and the broader fight for equality.

CubaActivistJournalist

Sandra Abd’Allah-Alvarez Ramírez

Sandra Abd’Allah-Alvarez Ramírez, a Cuban writer and activist, has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of women, Afro-Cubans, and LGBT individuals. Through her work as an editor, blogger, and journalist, Ramírez has challenged societal biases and discrimination, sparking important conversations on racism, sexism, and homophobia. Her tireless activism and commitment to social justice have made her a prominent figure in shaping the trajectory of women’s history in Cuba and beyond.

CubaMartial Artist

Driulis González

Driulis González Morales, a former Cuban judoka, was born on September 21, 1973, in Guantánamo. Standing at 1.62 meters tall, González made a significant impact in the world of judo, leaving behind a legacy of accomplishments and inspiring others through her dedication and skill.

CubaMartial Artist

Amarilis Savón

Amarilis Savón Carmenate, a Cuban judoka, has made a significant impact in the world of judo. Competing at four Olympic Games, she has won three bronze medals, solidifying her status as one of the most successful judokas in history. Her success and perseverance have made her an influential figure in women’s history, exemplifying the power of determination and passion.

CubaMartial Artist

Idalys Ortiz

Idalys Ortiz Bocourt, born in 1989, is a Cuban judoka who has made a significant impact in the world of judo. She has competed in multiple Olympic Games, achieving remarkable results. Ortiz’s determination and skill have earned her medals in various championships, solidifying her status as one of the most respected and talented judokas in the world.

CubaMartial Artist

Diadenis Luna

Diadenis Luna-Castellano, born in Santiago, Cuba in 1975, is a retired Cuban judoka who made significant contributions to the sport. Luna’s achievements in judo include winning an Olympic bronze medal, solidifying her legacy as one of Cuba’s finest judokas. Her career exemplifies fierce competitiveness, dedication, and contributions to women’s history.

CubaMartial Artist

Yurisel Laborde

Yurisel Laborde Duany, born in 1979 in Santiago de Cuba, is a Cuban judoka who has achieved remarkable success in the world of women’s judo. From winning silver and gold medals at world championships to being named the best athlete in her home province, Laborde’s journey exemplifies her indomitable spirit and exceptional skills. She faced challenges within the Cuban sports system and made the difficult decision to leave her homeland, highlighting the need for reform and fair treatment. Her impact on the sport is undeniable, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

CubaVolleyball

Magaly Carvajal

Magaly Carvajal, the renowned Cuban volleyball player, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Standing tall at 6′ 3″, she is widely regarded as the greatest middle blocker in women’s volleyball. Known for her exceptional blocking and hitting skills, Carvajal has been a dominant force on the court throughout her illustrious career.

CubaActivistArcher

Celia Sánchez

Celia Sánchez Manduley was a Cuban revolutionary and politician who played a pivotal role in the Cuban Revolution. She dedicated her life to the cause and became an influential figure in shaping Cuba’s socialist society. Sánchez’s resourcefulness and dedication were evident in her creative methods of communication and her contributions to the revolution continued even after its triumph. Her unwavering commitment to social progress and equality left an indelible impact on the history of Cuba, making her one of the country’s most prominent revolutionaries.

CubaVolleyball

Mireya Luis

Mireya Luis Hernández, born on August 25, 1967, in Camagüey, Cuba, is a retired Cuban volleyball player. She began playing at the age of 10 and quickly showcased her talent, eventually joining the Cuban national team at 16. Mireya’s career was marked by numerous achievements, including Olympic gold medals, World Cup victories, and individual accolades. Her impact on the sport transcended boundaries, inspiring generations of female athletes and leaving an indelible mark on the history of women’s volleyball.

CubaItalyVolleyball

Mirka Francia

Mirka Francia Vasconcelos, born on February 14, 1975, in Villa Clara, is a Cuban-Italian volleyball player who has left an indelible mark on the sport.

CubaDancer

Alicia Alonso

Alicia Alonso was a Cuban prima ballerina assoluta and choreographer known for her iconic portrayals of Giselle and Carmen. Despite being partially blind, she overcame her vision problems and became one of the greatest ballerinas of her time. Alonso’s dedication to her craft and her founding of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba have left an indelible mark on the world of ballet and continue to inspire generations of dancers.

CubaSprinter

Omara Durand

Omara Durand Elías, the visually impaired Cuban sprinter, has conquered numerous obstacles to become a celebrated athlete in para athletics. With impressive achievements and unwavering determination, she serves as an inspiration to many. From winning gold at the 2012 Summer Paralympics to setting a world record at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Durand has solidified her status as one of the greatest para sprinters of all time. Her journey symbolizes the power of perseverance and the belief that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.

CubaMartial Artist

Sibelis Veranes

Sibelis Veranes Morell, born in 1974 in Santiago de Cuba, is a Cuban judoka who has made a significant impact on the world of women’s martial arts. With numerous victories in the Cuban National Championships, Pan American Championships, and World Championships, she cemented her status as a top judo athlete. Veranes’s crowning achievement came in the 2000 Summer Olympics, where she won the gold medal in the women’s middleweight division. Her remarkable skill and dedication have left a lasting legacy in women’s judo.