In the historic port city of Matanzas, the Reverend Elaine Saralegui proudly presides over an LGBTQ+ inclusive church adorned in a rainbow-colored clergy stole. Saralegui welcomes same-sex couples and offers a sanctuary where all are embraced without exclusion. This scene stands in stark contrast to Cuba's past, where after the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro, gay individuals were systematically repressed, and many were sent to labor camps. However, in recent years, the communist-run island has made significant strides towards LGBTQ+ equality. Legislation enacted in 2022, including a government-backed Family Law, has granted same-sex couples the right to marry and adopt. It highlights a monumental shift in societal acceptance. Yet, this progress has not been without resistance. The Catholic Church and evangelical groups opposed these measures, invoking religious rhetoric to challenge LGBTQ+ rights. Despite this opposition, the government's campaign for equality prevailed, garnering overwhelming support from voters. President Miguel Díaz-Canel hailed the passage of the law as a triumph of love. Meanwhile, Mariela Castro, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and daughter of former President Raul Castro, has expressed profound joy at the progress made. As Cuba continues to navigate its path toward progress and equality amidst the economy, the emergence of LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces like Saralegui's church serves as a beacon of hope. #Queer Up The World View