The state demonstration of LGBT Pride marched through Madrid this Saturday under the slogan 'Dissent and Resistance'. Organisers report that assaults on the community have tripled in the last two years.
The state demonstration of LGBT Pride has filled the streets of Madrid this Saturday with rainbow flags, music, and demands. Under the slogan 'To the streets with pride! Dissent and Resistance', thousands of people marched from the Atocha roundabout to Colón Square to demand a State Pact against hate speech and the effective implementation of already approved equality laws.
The march, organised by the State LGBT Federation (FELGTBI+) and COGAM, began at 19:00 with a front line led by institutional representatives and the organising organisations, including the president of COGAM, Ronny de la Cruz, and the president of FELGTBI+, Paula Iglesias. Following them, a second banner with the slogan 'State Pact against hate speech now!' gathered more than twenty social, trade union, and third sector entities.
Underlying Demands: Threatened Rights
The organisers have reminded that, according to their data, assaults on the LGBT community have tripled in the last two years. Therefore, they insist on the need to continue occupying public space. "We will continue to demand our rights and celebrate our existence. It is a call for social mobilization, but it is also a reminder of the power of that mobilization and a call to responsibility," said Paula Iglesias before the march began.
Ronny de la Cruz explained the meaning of this year's slogan:
"Dissent, because pride was born to be uncomfortable, and resistance, because we know that rights are not set in stone. We will not allow them to take them away from us."Both leaders have demanded resources to implement the already approved laws, recognition of the rights of intersex and non-binary people, and the completion of legislative reform to penalise so-called conversion therapies.
Festive Atmosphere and Political Presence
Despite the reivindicative tone, the atmosphere was joyful throughout the route, with floats, music, and a sea of rainbow flags. Representatives from the main political parties were also present. The deputy secretary of Education and Equality of the PP, Jaime de los Santos, accused the left of "stealing rights" by "trying to seize certain flags". Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Mónica García, advocated for the need to "safeguard the rights won" and advance in the protection of the community.
The route concluded at Colón Square with the reading of the manifesto, which capped off the central events of Madrid Pride, which began on Thursday and will continue until Sunday with various activities. For the residents of the capital, the day has involved considerable logistical deployment, with traffic cuts and public transport reinforcement, but also an opportunity to celebrate diversity in the streets.
The event concludes with a clear message: the fight for real equality continues, and social mobilization remains the tool to not take a step back.
You may also like
