Trip Dates: Between May 2 and May 19, 2020. Exact dates yet to be determined.

 

Day 1

Depart from Montreal, Canada and arrive at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba. Check into your hotel and get your first taste of Havana by participating in a sunset tour of Old Havana with an experienced English-speaking guide from the Jose Marti Center. Enjoy dinner with your colleagues at a restaurant in Old Havana and evening of leisure.

 

Day 2

Day of leisure in Havana. Visit museums, Plaza de Revoluciòn, El Morro fort, people watch at the Malecon sea wall, visit known gathering places for the LGBTQ community, visit art galleries, go salsa dancing, explore vibrant Havana neighborhoods or spend your day in Old Havana and participate in the city’s nightlife. (B) included

 

Day 3

Arrive by shuttle to the Jose Marti Center, a beautiful historic colonial mansion where you will listen to lectures on important LGBTQ issues. After a tour of the facility, and a welcome reception, attend a lecture focusing on the life of Jose Marti, known as the father of Cuba. After lunch, attend a workshop given by faculty from the University of Havana on the history of LGBTQ issues, policies and attitudes in Cuba. Evening at leisure. (B) (L) included

 

Day 4

Spend the day at a healthcare clinic tasked with the care of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Have the opportunity to speak with health care professionals, social workers and even patients at the clinic about their experiences. Evening at leisure (B) (L) included

 

Day 5

Visit the historic University of Havana. The University founded in 1728 is the oldest in Cuba and one of the oldest university in the Americas. Tour the beautiful campus in the center of the Vedado district of Havana and speak with students and professors about issues affecting the LGBTQ community. (B) (L) included

 

Day 6

Visit CENESEX, the National Center for Sex Education headed by Mariela Castro. Have the opportunity to speak with a government official about the latest developments in LGBTQ policies as per the Cuban government including pending legislation before the Cuban parliament regarding same-sex unions. (B) (L) included

 

Day 7

Meet with LGBTQ rights advocacy group Project Rainbow in Cuba to discuss the latest concerns of the local community and future issues. After lunch, attend a closing reception at the Jose Marti Center. (B) (L) included

 

Day 8 Bid farewell to Havana and leave for an early morning departure to Jose Marti International Airport and catch flight to Montreal.