Let's make this birthday one to remember.

81 years old (Born on July 16, 1943)

Happy birthday to the unforgettable Reinaldo Arenas! Your fearless pen and boundless imagination gave us masterpieces like "Pentagonia," "Palace of White Skunks," and the captivating memoir, "Before Night Falls." You've shown us that even life's toughest moments can be transformed into powerful stories filled with humor, courage, and wit.

Today we celebrate your timeless legacy—your ability to make readers laugh in one sentence and ponder deeply in the next. May your words continue inspiring generations who discover joy amid struggle through your brilliant storytelling. Here's hoping you're celebrating somewhere fabulous—with fewer skunks but plenty of laughter!