Often when I walk around the city with my camera, I see a great deal of women doing all kinds of jobs, including some that are not traditionally considered as jobs for women. A mason I met in Holguin was the inspiration for this series. Marilu -that was her name- was working on the rehabilitation of the steps leading to the Hill of the Cross. I have met many more: flat tire repairers, valets, shoemakers... These images show the strength and sensuality of that part of the Cuban workforce.

The 1970s brought with them different social movements calling for social liberation, particularly in the United States. One of these groups was called the California Bears, which gathered homosexual men interested in maintaining an image of rugged masculinity. This past July, in Havana’s neighborhood of Cerro, a group of young Cuban men decided to join this movement, creating an organization named the Cuban Bears Club. An initiative of group founder Samy Bear, the Club de Osos de Cuba (Cuban Bears Club) call for getting past the gay stereotype of the effeminate man who waxes off his hair and puts on makeup. Rather, they lean towards anything that denotes natural masculine qualities: hairy bodies, beards and a normal weight (preferably toward the hefty). Like their counterparts around the world, the members of this new group divided themselves into the following “categories”: 1. Chaser Bears: those who do not have the physical characteristics and do not fit into the above description of the bear, but who feel an attraction towards bears in the group. 2. Cubs: the youngest members of the group. 3. Daddy Bears: a mature bear who maintains a relationship with a cub. They are seen as guides and protectors....