The Ikusgune observatory, dedicated to combating LGTBI+phobia, documented 30 incidents of this nature in Álava during 2025, according to its IX Report on Incidents due to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Among the recorded cases, nine assaults stand out as the highest figure in the last three years, alongside hate speech, discrimination, and offenses.
Although 35 incidents were initially reported, Ikusgune included 30 in the final report after applying its collection and validation system. Some cases were excluded due to insufficient information or failure to meet established criteria.
Hate speech was the most frequent type of incident, accounting for 11 cases. This was followed by assaults (9), grievances or offenses (6), and discrimination (4).
“"Hate speech acts as a substrate and justification for other forms of violence, by singling out, dehumanizing, or legitimizing rejection towards LGTBIQ+ individuals."
Assaults occurred in various settings, including educational centers, nightlife venues, streets, cruising areas, public transport, and concerts. A notable incident on January 15 involved three young people displaying a swastika and shouting lesbophobic insults at a worker in an educational center. Another case on April 7 saw an individual assaulted in a tavern by a stranger who attempted to strangle them.
The report also includes the case of a transgender woman experiencing homelessness who reported police aggression. Furthermore, attacks in cruising areas and on the street were described, highlighting cases of homophobia and transphobia. On June 28, coinciding with Pride Day, several individuals walking with LGTBIQ+ flags painted on their faces were subjected to homophobic insults and had a glass bottle thrown at them.
By type of violence, Ikusgune counted 12 cases of homophobia and 10 of transphobia, which were the most frequent categories in 2025. Cases of lesbophobia, LGTBI+phobia, enbyphobia, and biphobia were also recorded. The majority of incidents, 86% of the total, were concentrated in Gasteiz.
Over the past six years, Ikusgune has documented 137 LGTBI+phobic incidents in Gasteiz and Álava. The observatory emphasizes that only a small fraction of these incidents are reported through judicial channels, citing distrust towards security forces and fear of re-victimization as primary reasons.
