The Azkoitia Town Council commemorated International LGTBIQ+ Pride Day last Wednesday, June 28th, by approving a motion during its plenary session. The proposal passed with the votes in favor from EAJ, EH Bildu, and PSE-EE, while the three council members from Azkoitia Bai voted against it.
The declaration read at the session highlighted that June 28th is a day for celebration, memory, and advocacy, but also for reflection, as there is still work to be done. It was emphasized that while the LGTBIQ+ collective is often discussed as a whole, not all realities are experienced under the same conditions. Particular attention was drawn to identities, bodies, and sexual orientations with less visibility, which are often less understood and face a higher risk of discrimination, including trans, intersex, lesbian, and bisexual individuals.
Furthermore, the statement underscored the importance of an intersectional perspective, recognizing that discrimination does not operate in a single way and does not affect all individuals equally. It was noted that factors such as sexual orientation and gender identity often intersect with other circumstances like racism, poverty, homelessness, disability, or psychic diversity. This implies that being an LGTBIQ+ person with a support network is not the same as living in precarity or facing multiple forms of discrimination.
The text also addressed the vulnerability of LGTBIQ+ individuals in the Basque Country, specifically mentioning migrants in irregular administrative situations, people experiencing homelessness, elderly individuals in hetero-normative spaces, and young LGTBIQ+ people with psychic diversity. It was pointed out that these individuals face greater difficulties in accessing employment, housing, or healthcare, and many cannot find safe spaces or live their identity with peace of mind in public areas.
The council denounced discourses that question already acquired rights and the increasing lack of safety in certain spaces for many LGTBIQ+ individuals. In response, it was reiterated that all social spaces belong to all citizens and must necessarily be plural. The declaration advocated for streets, institutions, schools, and community spaces to be places where all people can exist and participate equally.
The statement concluded by asserting that diversity is not a threat or an exception, but a reality and a heritage of society that helps build a more open, democratic, and humane environment. Therefore, the importance of raising voices and celebrating on June 28th was reaffirmed, as celebration is also resistance, and making visible the realities of all LGTBIQ+ people remains crucial.
Finally, the Azkoitia Town Council reaffirmed its commitment to all LGTBIQ+ individuals, especially those living in situations of greatest vulnerability, and pledged to continue working towards building a fairer, more inclusive, and diverse society for everyone.
