The Castro brothers are wise enough to read international political currents; revolutionary machismo isn't in vogue like it was in the 1960s. They know that a sure way to warm the hearts of progressives is to pledge support for some nebulous concept of "gay rights." Never mind Cuban gays — like all citizens of Cuba save high-ranking members of the Communist Party — do not enjoy basic liberties like freedom of speech or religion. They cannot join an independent labor union or vote. When it comes to gay life in Cuba, "Not much has changed since Reinaldo Arenas' time."