Andry Hernández Romero spent more than 120 days in a prison in El Salvador — one that has been compared to a gulag. Hernández Romero, who is from Venezuela, sought asylum in the U.S. due to being gay but was deported by ICE. After a massive movement by American activists, he was sent back to his home country — along with 252 other Venezuelan detainees — in July.
The makeup artist, actor, and designer says he’s focusing on recovering from the abuse he suffered in prison. “I got through it by praying daily, through the camaraderie of the other 252 men with me in that terrifying experience, and through the prayers of my family and people around the world,” Hernández Romero says.
“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,” he says.
Hernández Romero plans to continue his makeup and design career. He hopes to start a foundation and shelter for unhoused LGBTQ+ youth and those living with HIV.
