LGTBI+ people sent a clear message from Madrid this Saturday: “We come out with courage to tell those who threaten us that we are many more,” said the president of the FELGTBI+, Uge Sangil, shortly before he addressed the state demonstration of Pride in Madrid. Like them, thousands of people have come to the center of the capital – 300,000 according to the government delegation and more than a million according to the organization – to continue the protest march, under the motto Education, Rights and Peace: Pride that Transforms.
“Diversity education is a fundamental tool to combat hatred”the organizations stressed in their manifesto, read from Plaza de Colón at around 10:00 p.m. Shortly before, the leader of the demonstration had arrived, which started at 7:00 p.m. from Atocha, and in which were present, among others: the president of Cogam, Ronny de la Cruz; the activist for the rights of LGTBI+ people with disabilities, Ángeles Blanco; the second vice-president of the government and minister of labor, Yolanda Díaz; the minister of equality, Ana Redondo; or the ministers of the interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and culture, Ernest Urtasun.
“There is a wave of the far right and repression that wants to put us back in the closet and that generalizes a dangerous offensive that aims to limit freedom, equality and democracy. We will not agree to it. “This government is a containment dam,” he said. Minister Redondo. Hate crimes increased by 33.1% in Spain last year, according to the latest data from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which states in its annual report on the matter that more than 80% of these crimes go unreported. Crimes that, according to the judicial body, “contribute to stigmatizing and generating an imaginary prejudice that often leads to the commission of physical crimes.”
“We want a state pact against hate speech,” stressed the president of the FELGBTI+, whose term ends this year, during the march. The very slogan of the second demand of the concentration – the delegation had 92 banners – demanded this agreement.
Currently, Spain stands out in the ranking of countries – it occupies fourth place – drawn up annually by ILGA (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association) based on safety criteria and guarantees for the group. The southern European country became an LGTBI+ benchmark in 2005, when the government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (PSOE) approved equal marriage; and two years later, the gender identity law. The last regulation in favor of the group dates from 2023, processed by the coalition government between PSOE and Podemos: the call trans right (Law 4/2023 for the real and effective equality of transgender people and for guaranteeing the rights of LGTBI+ people).
The group's rights “are being questioned in too many parts of the world,” Yolanda Díaz denounced. “There are states in the European Union that are violating rights,” he explained. in reference to the rise of the far right in some countries on the continent. The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights confirms “signs of progress” in the region. “However, intimidation, harassment and violence remain persistent threats,” the organisation warns, urging countries to “take decisive action and reinforce the progress made”, as well as develop robust policies that combat discrimination and protect acquired rights.
Cold beer and rainbow fans
Meanwhile, on the edge of the Paseo del Prado, and aware of the 30-plus degrees that hit Madrid during the afternoon, a group of young people shared a few cold beers. “It’s going to be a long day; you have to come prepared,” said Andrea Martínez, a 28-year-old from Madrid. Street vendors also took advantage of this opportunity: one of the most sought-after objects, apart from the collective’s flags, were rainbow fans. “If I get 100 euros, I’ll be happy,” one of them summed up. The LGTBI+ anthem played in the background. Who cares (from Alaska and Denmark).
Further along, the music roared in the float of the Ministry of Health, waiting to begin its journey. It is the first time that a government ministry has joined the event with a vehicle: “a party of demand, struggle and joy, against a bitter right that wants to restrict rights and freedoms,” said Minister Mónica García. “Here is a demonstration of how to fight for freedom; in the world of the right, there is only room for the Melonis, the Orbans, the Mileis and the Ayusos,” he continued. García has also attacked the reform of the regional trans law, promoted by the executive of Isabel Díaz Ayuso (PP); has described the reform as “a setback and pathologization of LGTBI+ people.”
One of the Madrid organizations that has most opposed Ayuso's changes is Chrysallis, which advocates for families and trans children and youth. “The Constitutional Court will declare these reforms null and void,” predicted Encarni Bonilla, president of the association, referring to the objections to the unconstitutionality lodged by the Spanish government against the changes in June of the Community of Madrid. “We must celebrate that we continue to make trans youth visible and that as much as they want to cut into our rights, they will not cut into our lives,” Bonilla added.
“It is the first Pride that we celebrate with an institutional setback in Madrid,” said Irene Montero. The Podemos MEP and former Equality Minister was not at the head of the demonstration, but a little further away. “I wish that Mrs Ayuso and Mr Almeida would learn what freedom is,” he added.
Although Madrid Pride is one of the most relevant in Europe and the world, neither the regional president nor the mayor attended any of the events, nor did they install the collective's flag in the institutional headquarters The event's municipal posters have been criticised for stereotyping LGTBI+ people“We are not condoms, cups or heels,” the protesters criticized Almeida's ads.
One group that was absent from this Pride were non-binary people, because they believe that the latest regulations have left them out. That is why they demanded a third box in the official documents, which is not included in the standard. “For the Minister of Equality, we are not a priority,” criticized Samthony Abián, a 29-year-old non-binary person, before the march, which he did not attend.
This year, for the first time in the history of Madrid Pride, there was a guest country: Colombia. Its float (one of 51 that toured Madrid until midnight) was recognizable by the rhythm of vallenato and cumbia that reverberated through the speakers. “I came to celebrate, but also to raise my voice,” warned Camilo Guerrero, a 39-year-old Colombian living in Madrid and invited to the delegation. Colombia received the MADO 2024 award for its efforts to become an LGTBI+ destination. Although the country is a reference point in Latin America, LGTBiphobia persists: in 2022, there were 42 murders and 840 cases of violence, according to the latest official data. For Guerrero, “it is time to claim our rights; we are in a global context that puts the collective’s performance under control.”