When the HIV crisis hit Cuba, the government responded by rounding up individuals suspected of being infected. Everyone who tested positive was held indefinitely in medical isolation facilities called sanitoriums. Crespo was detained in one of these facilities near Santa Clara for 15 years. For the first time since his release, Crespo returns to the site of the now-abandoned sanitorium to tell his story.
Up Next in Season 1
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Glitter From Dust - My Way - Javier ...
Artist, activist, and drag performer, Javier identifies as he/him when not performing, and as Sinthya, she/her when on stage. Javier has always had one dream: to be recognized as a professional artist in Cuban society. Sinthya travels to small towns in the countryside around Santa Clara, using he...
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Glitter From Dust - Stay and Walk Fo...
In the early days of Cuban drag, there were limited resources for performers. They borrowed wigs, made DIY makeup, and faced brutal consequences for expressing who they were. Joel’s stories are both joyous and horrifying. Despite everything that he has lived through, Joel has stayed in Cuba to fi...
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Glitter From Dust - Before and After...
Nomi is a fashionable and glamorous drag performer and community organizer. Sassy performances on the stage are contrasted with her work as an organizer with CENESEX, Cuba’s LGBTQ justice organization, which is led by Mariela Castro, daughter of former Cuban President, Raul Castro. Through Nomi’s...
