Santa Cruz de Tenerife 28 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The locality of Puerto de la Cruz will host the ‘III National Gathering of LGTBIQA+ Families’ from April 4 to 6, an initiative arranged by Galehi, the Association of LGTBIQA+ Families in Spain, with the support of the Puerto de la Cruz City Council through the Municipal Centre of Women and the Cabildo de Tenerife.
This marks the first occasion this event, a trailblazer in its field, takes place in the Canary Islands, particularly in the northern region of Tenerife, where varied families from across Spain will convene in a spirit of fellowship, education, and the advocacy of rights.
The gathering also enjoys the collaboration of several organisations that have expressed their backing for family diversity, including the Famamis tribe, I crez, Asfagalem, Galactyco, Visible Jaén, Sapito Children’s Park, Dansing, Silvia Torrents, and Colored Clouds, according to a note from the Cabildo.
The initiative was unveiled this Friday by the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila; the councillor for Sustainable City and Urban Agenda, Citizen Participation, and Equality of Puerto de la Cruz, David Hernández; the vice president of Galehi, Desirée Martín; and the director of the gathering, Carol Suárez.
Rosa Dávila expressed that “it is a point of pride” to host this ‘III National Gathering of LGTBIQ+’ families on the island, positioning Puerto de la Cruz as the nucleus of diversity, inclusion, and respect. “
“This choice is not arbitrary; Tenerife is an inclusive, diverse island, profoundly proud of the richness stemming from our communities, their affections, and all forms of love, parenting, and cohabitation,” she stated.
Dávila added that “the Cabildo de Tenerife acts as a bulwark against hate speech; here, every family matters, and it is abundantly clear that discussing family diversity equates to discussing human rights.”
The Cabildo president expressed gratitude towards David Hernández “for his dedication, effort, and passion to host this event in Puerto de la Cruz”, alongside appreciation for the Galehi Association for bringing this initiative to the archipelago for the first time and for the island’s equality and diversity director, Patricia León, who has championed the venture.
David Hernández remarked that this event “highlights diversity policies and represents an affirmative struggle for the equality of families and children.”
The aim is that “Puerto de la Cruz becomes a discrimination-free locality,” he emphasised.
Combating “hate speech”
Hernández, visibly moved, thanked the support from the Cabildo and Galehi and remarked that “in response to hate speech, these actions serve as a positive force in striving for a better world for future generations.”
Desirée Martín, vice president of Galehi, expressed her excitement “about bringing this gathering to the Canary Islands and the Puerto de la Cruz, as part of our fight for visibility and the rights of diverse families” and noted the challenge of doing this for the first time outside major urban areas, for which she extended gratitude to the support and cooperation from the Puerto de la Cruz City Council and the Cabildo.
“Diverse families exist, and we will persist in our efforts to promote equality,” she affirmed.
The gathering’s director, Carol Suárez, outlined the activities scheduled from April 4 to 6, indicating that “Puerto de la Cruz will transform into a space for advocating this family model, which is one of many that exist” and noted that consideration is also given “for the children of these families.”
Suárez further stated that Galehi has put particular emphasis “on ensuring accessibility for all individuals at this gathering.”
Consequently, during the presentations and activities, there will be Spanish language interpreters to facilitate the full and inclusive participation of all attending families.
Moreover, the event will be adapted with pictograms for individuals requiring visual support to comprehend the activities.
