Por Redaccion On June 28, International LGTBI Pride Day is commemorated, a globally recognized date that celebrates diversity and reminds us of the importance of ensuring the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
This day has its origins in the events of 1969 in the New York neighborhood of Stonewall, which marked a turning point in the civil rights advocacy of the LGTBI community. Since then, this date has become an opportunity to reflect, acknowledge the progress made, and continue to build a society where dignity, freedom, and full equality are a reality for all.
In this year 2025, the Oviedo City Council reaffirms its strong commitment to the democratic values of equality, respect, freedom, and dignity. We advocate for the role of local governments in promoting safe, inclusive, and respectful environments where diversity is understood as a shared value that enriches community life.
It is essential to reinforce the role of civil society organizations, including LGTBI entities, as agents of social transformation, ensuring their active participation in the development and evaluation of public policies. Likewise, we consider it crucial for institutions to act decisively against discourses that promote intolerance, establishing effective mechanisms to prevent and address potential situations of discrimination.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the law that allowed for same-sex marriage and joint adoption by same-sex couples in Spain, a significant advancement in the legal and social recognition of the LGTBI community, placing our country among the most advanced in respecting diverse families and civil rights.
While Spain has been a pioneer country due to the joint efforts of many individuals, organizations, and institutions, we also acknowledge that situations of inequality, violence, and rejection still persist and must be eradicated with determination and institutional responsibility, addressing – in an integrated manner – the specific reality of LGTBI individuals, who are also racialized, migrants, with disabilities, or in poverty, as they experience specific and aggravated forms of discrimination. Therefore, it is important to promote policies that address these particular circumstances with effective and proportionate protection measures, always from a perspective centered on human rights and social cohesion.
For this reason, we urge the Government of Spain to provide specific and sustained budget allocation to local governments so they can continue working on:
- Specific protocols for comprehensive care for victims of intolerance-motivated aggression, prioritizing the protection of minors, transgender individuals, and especially vulnerable groups.
- Training for municipal staff, especially in areas such as social services, public safety, and education, on issues of sexual and gender diversity.
- Development of educational and awareness campaigns that promote coexistence, tolerance, and respect for all individuals.
According to recent data, approximately half of LGTBI victims of physical, sexual, or verbal aggression do not report these incidents, mainly due to fear or lack of trust in institutional procedures. Local entities reiterate our commitment to creating trusting environments, preventing such violence, and improving institutional responses to any manifestation of hate or discrimination.
We cannot ignore that, on the international stage, we are witnessing regressions in human rights that directly affect the LGTBI community. Hate speech, the rollback of legal advancements, and institutional persecution in some countries jeopardize fundamental principles that must be preserved by the international community.
Therefore, the Oviedo City Council expresses its support for public policies that promote equal opportunities and mutual respect, emphasizing the importance of education, awareness, and dialogue as fundamental tools to strengthen social cohesion and tolerance.
Similarly, we highlight the importance of continuing to develop initiatives that reinforce the inclusion and recognition of all individuals, with particular attention to those in situations of greater vulnerability. Because dignity and equality should not be slogans, but real principles, sustained through collaborative work, democratic responsibility, and respect for the freedom of all individuals.
This manifesto was signed by the spokespersons of the Popular, Socialist, and United Left municipal groups – Convocation for Oviedo