– GOVERNMENT OF CANARY ISLANDS
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 18 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Government of the Canary Islands has presented its campaign and programme of activities for LGTBIQA+ Pride Day, with the slogan ‘In the Canary Islands, all forms of love have their place’. Among the initiatives, the ARCO-D Canarias social care and counselling project stands out.
“We want this month to be a visible demonstration of our commitment to equality, freedom, and the right of all LGTBIQA+ individuals to live their orientation and diversity without fear,” stated the Minister for Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood and Families, Candelaria Delgado, during the campaign and programme presentation.
Accompanied by the Director General of Diversity, Celso Mendoza, the Minister explained that in celebration of June 28, special initiatives have been scheduled throughout the month to make it “more visible,” but she emphasised that “Pride does not start or end in June”.
Throughout June, meetings and exhibitions have been organised in both the Canary Islands and Madrid to ensure that “diversity is not just a message, but a reality supported by institutions”. She acknowledged that “the Canary Islands is a diverse, plural, and open land,” and the government is working to ensure that everyone can live freely, securely, and with pride, not just during June, but all year round.
Among other actions, the Minister highlighted the initiative to promote resources for support, such as ARCO-D CANARIAS (ARCO for Arcoiris. D for Diversity), which brings social work professionals closer to LGTBIQ+ individuals in Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
ARCO-D CANARIAS is also a play on words combining the acronym ARCO (Attention, Respect, Coexistence, and Opportunities) with the rainbow that represents the community, incorporating the D for diversity. As detailed by Director of Diversity, Celso Mendoza, “this service will provide counselling for the entire community and their families”. Specifically, it will begin as a pilot project on June 28 in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, with the aim of gradually expanding to the other islands.
The Director of Diversity for the Canary Islands Government, Celso Mendoza, explained the objective of this year’s campaign, which seeks to “highlight” the struggles of “those who came before us, including the elderly,” for the rights that we enjoy today. “LGTBI rights are human rights for all citizens in the Canary Islands, always representing a free and diverse land.”
EXHIBITIONS AND MURALS
During these weeks, an exhibition celebrating 20 years of equal marriage is being held, which will travel across all the islands. The exhibition “Geographies of LGTBIQ+ Resistances in the Canary Islands” will also take place, highlighting “the struggles, voices, and experiences of those who have built this freer society,” as the Minister noted.
Moreover, graffiti murals will be created in locations such as Candelaria, El Paso, and Puerto del Rosario. In collaboration with the Teguise town hall, a poetry collection by José Mesa will be showcased, alongside an art competition which will feature materials and prizes. These will include both social and cultural activities.
MEETINGS IN MADRID
In addition, from June 23 to July 2, the Government Delegation of the Canary Islands in Madrid will host a programme titled ‘Islands with Pride, LGTIQ+ Conversations with Canary Talent’, aiming to create a space to share culture, identity, and pride from a Canary Islands perspective.
The event will feature conversations on visual and performing arts on Tuesday, June 23, at 19:00, with participation from Pedro Perdomo, Saskia Rodríguez, Joaquín Artime, and Davi Kabaro. A conversation on literature is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, also at 19:00, featuring authors Fabio Xosé Carreiro, Marcos Dosantos, and Gabriel Garcher.
On June 27, the Delegation will host a live podcast recording from @laschicasdelvolcan, starting at 17:00, alongside Donacio Cejas, Spyros Katopodis, Antonio Torres, and Marcos Gómez.
On Tuesday, June 30, at 19:00, there will be discussions on LGTBIQ+ sports, featuring Omaira Perdomo (professional volleyball player), Carlota Suárez (Costa Adeje Tenerife), Jorge Darias (GMadrid), and Felix Chouza (Madrid Titanes). Finally, on July 2, there will be a talk on music and a live performance with Abraham Martín (Les Arts), Felipe Rodríguez (ORCAM), Marta Berlín, and Cristina Mahelo.
The event will take place at the headquarters of the Government Delegation of the Canary Islands in Madrid, which will host an exhibition open from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00, from June 23 to July 2.
