The Cabildo de Tenerife presented the Gold Medal of the Island today to Carla Antonelli in recognition of her “significant contribution and advocacy for the rights of the LGBTIQA+ community” and for her “input towards the freedom of society across the island.” The lively ceremony was attended by the Cabildo’s president, Rosa Dávila, along with members of the island assembly, family, and friends of the honouree. Both Carla, who was greeted with a lengthy ovation, and Rosa, both hailing from Güimar, were moved as they spoke. Marta Santos provided the vocals while Paco Tacoronte accompanied on guitar.
Special Day
Rosa Dávila remarked, “Today is a truly special occasion, during which we honour a woman whose career has been vital in the fight for human rights, equality, and the dignity of all individuals. The gold medal from the Cabildo de Tenerife that we present to Carla Antonelli is among the highest forms of recognition our institution can bestow, owing to her tireless efforts in championing equality and respect for the LGBTI community, particularly focusing on the rights of transgender individuals.”
Appreciation
“From this council, which serves as a home for all in Tenerife, we wish to express our gratitude for your role in making Tenerife a more inclusive, respectful, and conscientious place regarding the importance of diversity,” Dávila stated. The president noted that “your dedication has been essential in making our island a model of resistance and advancement. Through your advocacy, you have opened pathways for many individuals to embrace their identities without fear, with pride, and with the assurance that their rights are equal to those of anyone else.”
Privilege
Dávila stated, “As president of the Cabildo de Tenerife, it is an honour to stand alongside you today. Thanks to your hard work and commitment, our island is now a more just, free, and inclusive locality.” She emphasised: “It is a place where we can envision a hopeful future, where every individual, regardless of gender identity, can genuinely be themselves without the dread of rejection or discrimination.”
Pride in Transformation
Rosa Dávila also asserted that “we take pride in witnessing how you have successfully turned adversities into catalysts for change, not just here on our island, but globally. Your courage has been instrumental in the evolution of our legislation, and, most importantly, in enabling countless transgender individuals to live free from the fear of discrimination. Thanks to your endeavours, Tenerife has emerged as a catalyst for significant changes, influencing discourse both nationally and internationally.”
Trailblazer
“You have been a trailblazer in the advancement of new laws safeguarding the rights of transgender people, and your unwavering fight has been crucial in achieving genuine recognition of equality, assuring every person the liberty to be who they are, without fear of rejection or prejudice,” the island’s president underscored. She highlighted that “this accolade is not only based on your remarkable public contributions, but also on the admiration and respect we hold for you as a citizen of Tenerife, and for the positive influence you have generated both locally and globally.”
Woman and Mother
The Cabildo president concluded her speech by saying, “As a woman and a mother, and on behalf of numerous families, I wish to express my appreciation for Carla.” She stated: “I personally understand what it means to traverse a path where acceptance, respect, and equality are core principles. This journey is fraught with challenges, but your example has supported many families in not feeling isolated.” She finalised her address with: “You have made your struggle visible, ensuring that our sons and daughters can flourish in a society that is freer, more inclusive, and ultimately more humane. The gold medal of the island of Tenerife that we present to you today is a testament to the profound respect and admiration we have for you.”
Memorable Moment
Carla Antonelli expressed her gratitude to the assembled guests, saying, “Thank you all for joining me on this unforgettable afternoon. I accept this gold medal from Tenerife Island surrounded by warmth and smiles, overwhelmed by the affection and embrace of the island that I was born into, fled from, and have now returned to.” She clarified, “This award presented to me today – as you know – is not solely for myself. Above all, it is for the countless lives that paved the way, allowing me to ascend the fiery basalt of the volcano that is my life.” She noted: “I speak of the marlelas, ring or donuts that during our days of living in shadows would come alive in the nights because daylight was illegal for us. I recall those who endured hardship in Tefía due to societal dangers, of those who burst forth in sequins during the democratic revelations of Barcelona and Madrid in the past century.”
Continued Struggle
Throughout her address, Carla Delgado Gómez detailed her ongoing struggle: “Many of us believed that after achieving milestones such as equal marriage or the transgender laws of 2007, 2023 or the Canarian law of 2021, we could take a break. But it appears we were mistaken.” She evaluated: “How misled we were. It seems that our fight must continue until the end. And do you know what? We are prepared.” She elaborated: “In memory of Pedro Zerolo, Rosario Miranda, Lulu, or Greca – two individuals from Tenerife who lost their lives – and, most importantly, because I refuse to let the transgender individuals growing up today feel fear when stepping outside of their homes.” She summed up: “That would signify a social and democratic defeat, an unforgivable paradox for those who have fled their homes in search of the freedom to exist.”
Family Support
Antonelli acknowledged, “Today my sister, Conchita, is present in this room. She was my light when darkness prevailed. I also dedicate this honour to you. For staying by my side when the world seemed empty, and for allowing me to borrow that lipstick I still use, fifty years and countless adventures later.” She explained, “My niece Lourdes is also here, new blood that reinvigorates our lineage and reminds us of the importance of guiding values.”
Uplifting Message
Carla Antonelli concluded her address by stating, “Here we stand. With pride and hope. Recharging our spirits with Canarian magma to continue advocating for human rights wherever necessary.” She recognised that “these are indeed dark times, thus, dear council members, esteemed president of the council, and political groups, I acknowledge the brave act of this recognition in these challenging moments.” She finished with, “We will not reside in the margins, for we shall conquer the shadows. As the Chicharrera poet Ana María Fagndo would express, in the end, the light triumphs.”
