The streets and squares of Vitoria-Gasteiz will be filled with celebration tomorrow, June 28th, to commemorate LGTBIQ+ Pride Day, amidst a global reactionary wave.
The day's main event, a demonstration, will depart at midday from the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. The march will focus on violence against the LGTBIQ+ community under the slogan "Autoritarismo arrazistaren aurrean, kuir antolakuntza".
This year, six different collectives are jointly calling for the demonstration: Lumagorri ZAT, Global Sumud Flotilla Euskal Herria, Euskal Herrian Euskaraz, Gasteiz Antirrazista, the Gasteiz Feminist Movement, and Eginaren Eginez.
From 1:00 PM onwards, the collectives Gayen Artean and Sidálava will also celebrate Pride at the popular Farolón, on San Vicente hill. Performances by Andriginia and Andrea Oliveira will feature, and preventive materials will be distributed.
On the eve of the celebration, the Vitoria City Council yesterday placed the new LGTBIQ+ flag on its facade, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equality, and respect. The new flag includes the rainbow stripes along with those representing the trans community, racialized individuals, and intersex people.
The municipal institution has also approved an institutional declaration this week to promote visibility and support for the LGTBIQ+ community, especially those "living in more vulnerable situations," reminding that "public spaces must be places where all people can exist and participate on equal terms."
The text emphasizes that "diversity is not a threat or an exception: it is a social reality and a collective value that enriches us as a society." "It makes us more open, more democratic, and more humane. That is why June 28th continues to be necessary to raise our voices. Because celebrating is also resisting."
Meanwhile, the Foral Juntas of Álava also reaffirmed yesterday their "commitment to the defense of equality, fundamental rights, freedom, respect, diversity, and non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity." The facade of the institutional headquarters has been illuminated with rainbow colors since last night.
