"As a member of Out100, I want to share a message of love, empathy, respect, and nondiscrimination against nationality, religion, condition, or sexual orientation so that solidarity, justice, and truth can prevail,"
"I want the world to know that being gay and being a Venezuelan man is not a crime."
Andry Hernández Romero, a makeup artist, actor, and designer from Venezuela, sought asylum in the United States after facing anti-LGBTQ+ persecution. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported him in March after President Donald Trump accused him and other Venezuelan men of being members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Hernández Romero spent more than 120 days imprisoned in El Salvador's CECOT facility, a prison widely compared to a gulag. Legal advocacy and a coalition of LGBTQ+ activists secured his release in July along with more than 250 other Venezuelan detainees. Hernández Romero said he survived by praying daily, finding solidarity with fellow detainees, and drawing strength from family and supporters. He plans to continue makeup and design work and hopes to start a foundation and shelter. He and an attorney who helped bring attention to his case were named to Out's 2025 Out100.
Read at Advocate.com
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