Madrid transformed into a vibrant sea of colors and voices last Saturday, as tens of thousands – and according to organizers, even a million people – gathered in the heart of the capital. Under the powerful motto “20 years for rights: No step back,” the state LGTBI+ Pride demonstration took place. This event marked the culmination of a comprehensive program of celebration and protest, dedicated this year to a very special anniversary: The 20th anniversary of same-sex marriage in Spain. Since 2005, this groundbreaking law has allowed same-sex couples to marry and access adoption, a milestone that has profoundly shaped Spanish society.
The impressive march set off from Atocha around 7:00 PM and concluded in Colón with the reading of the manifesto. A total of 47 festively decorated floats paraded through the capital’s main arteries. A particular highlight was the performances by internationally acclaimed singers Manuel Turizo and Karol G, who provided the grand finale of the parade. The streets vibrated to the rhythm of anthems like “A quien le importa” by Alaska, “SloMo” by Chanel, or the sounds of Nebulossa, which sent the crowd into ecstasy.
Prominent Support and Resolute Demands
Numerous figures from politics and society joined the procession. These included the Second Vice President and Minister of Labor Yolanda Díaz, Health Minister Mónica García, the Secretary General of the PSOE Madrid City and spokesperson for the Socialist Group of the City Council, Reyes Maroto, and the LGTBI Secretary of the PSOE, Víctor Gutiérrez. Leading the march were also the organizers, represented by the President of the National LGTBI+ Federation (FELGTB), Paula Iglesias, and the President of COGAM, Ronny de la Cruz. Notably absent was the Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo, who did not participate in the demonstration.
In an atmosphere characterized by exuberant festivity and resolute protest, demonstrators moved along the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, and Paseo de Recoletos. Calls like “No step back” were heard everywhere, and a variety of signs carried messages such as “Trans rights are human rights,” “Make Love, boycott Trump,” or “Educators and parties, accomplices of homophobia.” From loudspeakers, encouraging calls repeatedly celebrated the diversity of the community: “Long live the people of the bisexual community, long live transsexuals, long live lesbians, long live gays.” Political messages such as “Free Palestine” and clear accusations like “No more conversion therapies” also found their way into the crowd. Hundreds of citizens also lined the streets to watch the passing parade.
A Manifesto Against the Global Backlash on Rights
After a two-hour march, after 9:00 PM, the leaders of the demonstration reached Plaza de Colón. There, the highly anticipated manifesto was read, containing an urgent warning: They warned of a “global backlash on rights” for the LGTBI+ community.
The manifesto emphatically stated: “We see how hate is disguised as freedom of expression, how our childhood, our families, our identities are attacked. We are ridiculed, censored, invalidated, denied our identity. From political platforms, from televisions, from anonymous accounts on social networks. Our existence is questioned with an impunity that hurts. But we will not hide.” These words underscore the community’s determination to continue advocating for their rights and to counter discrimination.
