Featuring an insightful look at lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) life in Cuba, this chronicle illuminates the progress the country has made from centuries of backward attitudes and oppression to the current state of enlightenment. From the mores of the Colonial period to the roles that Hollywood, the CIA, and Wall Street played in depicting Cuba as a "police state" for gays and in reinforcing the oppression, this overview provides a backdrop of the past and illustrates the persecution and exploitation originally planted by Spanish colonialism and further cultivated by U.S. capitalism. Details on the gradual transformation follow as the narrative examines the impact of the political and institutional initiatives taken by Fidel Castro and the Cuban leadership to overcome bigotry and prejudice against LGBT people--among them free health care and education, guaranteed jobs and housing, special health care for AIDS victims, and widespread sex education.

Hope and Healing for FamiliesOut of his own experience and the experience of many of those he has served in his counseling practice, Richard Cohen sets out a step-by-step plan that offers a path toward renewed family relationships grounded in love, faith and mutual respect."Richard is movingly candid about the brokenness in his own family life, and he's not afraid to get down in the trenches and cry, mourn and laugh with everyone else who struggles. This book offers sound practical advice for healing family relationships."Joseph Nicolosi, author of Reparative Therapy of Male Homosexuality and Preventing Homosexuality: A Parent's Guide"This book helped us go from shock and disbelief to an understanding of what happened to our son who experiences same-sex attractions. It showed us how to develop an action plan to help heal the wounds of his heart . . . and gave us real hope."Bob & Sue"We all want the best for our children. Please read this book and follow Richard's suggestions for building a healthy parent-child relationship, one based on unconditional love and mutual respect."Regina Griggs, national director, PFOX"I enthusiastically recommend Gay Children, Straight Parents as a must-read for every parent facing the difficult discovery of their child's homosexuality. Richard's compassionate approach relieves the stigma and shame often associated with a loved-one's homosexual struggle."Janelle M. Hallman, LPC"A helpful resource for parents who are intentional about loving their children well."Katherine M. Allen, LPC and director, Sought Out, Inc."It is with gratitude to Richard for filling so many voids in the world of healing same-sex attraction, and for his continuing leadership and distinctive insights, that I highly recommend this long-awaited text."Arthur Goldberg, codirector, JONAH, and president, PATH"Words cannot express the gratitude that we feel in our hearts for the incredible enlightenment that we have received from Gay Children, Straight Parents. This book has changed the life of our family and helped our daughter heal from same-sex attractions."Michael & Linda