The Zarautz City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to defending sexual and gender diversity on the occasion of the International Day against LGTBI+ Phobia. Through its Equality Department, the Council has expressed its rejection of hate speech and any form of discrimination against LGTBIQ+ individuals.
The date commemorates May 17, 1990, the day the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. Since 2005, this day has become established as a time for advocacy and struggle against LGTBI+ phobia.
While legal and social advancements in rights and recognition of sexual and gender diversity have been made in recent decades, the Zarautz council acknowledges that situations of discrimination and exclusion still persist. According to the 'Perceptions and Attitudes towards Discrimination in Euskadi (EPADE) 2025' survey by Ikuspegi, 77.8% of Basque citizens prefer to live in a diverse society. However, approximately 15% report experiencing some form of discrimination in the past year, and over 76% of these incidents go unreported.
The municipal statement further highlights that certain groups, such as transgender individuals, lesbians, the elderly, racialized people, or those with disabilities, continue to face greater difficulties in living freely and equally. It also warns of an increase in hate speech and public aggressions in recent years.
“"Losing the fear of differences to understand and accept diversity"
Gloria Vazquez, the Equality Councilor (PSE-EE), emphasized the importance of “losing the fear of differences to understand and accept diversity” and recalled initiatives in Zarautz to make sexual diversity visible in public spaces, such as installing rainbow-colored benches in squares and schools, and placing a large multicolored cape on a sculpture.
As part of the commemorative events, last Wednesday, May 20, a special bertso session was held at Emakumeen Etxea to spread a message against LGTBI+ phobia. Participants included Aner Peritz, Uxue Alkorta, and Maider Arregi, with Amaia Agirre serving as the topic presenter (gai-jartzaile).
Additionally, the Equality Department has conducted a local diagnosis to serve as a starting point for developing a specific protocol aimed at advancing LGTBI+ rights and building a municipality that is “more diverse and inclusive”.
The City Council of Zarautz insists that “defending the rights of LGTBI people also means defending human rights and building safe, respectful, and egalitarian environments”.
