Canaries Prepare for Pride Amidst Threats to LGBTQ+ Rights
This weekend, the Canary Islands will host Pride demonstrations, with LGBTQ+ groups warning of rising far-right sentiments threatening hard-won rights. Activists believe that if the political landscape shifts, these rights could be swiftly erased.
Sergio Siverio from the Diversas collective expressed urgent concerns ahead of the decisive elections, stating, “This could be the last Pride as we know it.” He noted the troubling formation of local governments with far-right members in places like Arona and Granadilla de Abona, suggesting that while they may appear to support LGBTQ+ issues, they are working with extreme right factions.
Siverio emphasised, “Right-wing and far-right parties have openly stated they will repeal LGBTQ+ laws if they gain power.” He highlighted that the current Canary Islands government has failed to implement key regulations necessary for trans and intersex rights over the past five years.
Carla Soto from Altihay Fuerteventura underscored the importance of visibility, stating, “We must continue to march as there are still right-wing political narratives against us.” She revealed that her community faces homophobic and transphobic comments online, which makes their Pride demonstrations all the more vital.
The recent actions of the Canary Islands Parliament drew criticism after a Vox-backed expert claimed child poverty doesn’t exist and attacked same-sex marriage. Soto and other activists condemned Vox for perpetuating hate speech and misinformation.
Yelko Fernández from Libertrans insisted that the struggle for rights must be constant. He stressed the need for education and engagement with younger generations to defend their rights against growing intolerance.
Others in the community, like Soto, shared personal experiences of fear and vulnerability, especially highlighting the recent wave of anti-trans legislation in the U.S. They warned that similar movements are taking hold in Spain.
The Spanish Congress recently voted to criminalise conversion therapies, but Siverio critiqued the abstention of certain politicians who profess LGBTQ+ pride while failing to act definitively for the community’s protection.
The Pride marches will take place in several locations:
- Tenerife: Saturday at 18:00 from Parque Cultural Doña Chana to La Orotava Town Hall.
- Gran Canaria: Saturday at 19:00, organised by Colectivo Gama, starting from Avenida José Mesa y López to Plaza de Canarias.
- Fuerteventura: Sunday at 11:00 from Playa de los Pozos to the Cabildo in Puerto del Rosario.
The atmosphere is charged as activists rally to preserve their rights and send a powerful message that the fight for equality must continue amidst growing challenges.
