The mayor reads a manifesto on the occasion of International LGBTIQ+ Pride Day

The mayor of Fuengirola, Ana Mula, today read a manifesto on the occasion of the commemoration, this Sunday, June 28, of International LGBTIQ+ Pride Day. This text aims to vindicate the desire to live in a society free of prejudices, in which discrimination in any of its forms does not exist.

After reading the manifesto, a round table was held on “Diversity that transforms: LGTBIQ+ voices and experiences”, which included the participation of representatives of the Andalusian LGBT Diversity Federation. Furthermore, on the occasion of this commemoration, the LGTBIQ+ flag has been installed on the balcony of the Royal Hall of the City Hall.

Below we transcribe the entire manifesto:

«Every June 28, the birth of the movement for the rights of lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex people (better known as LGTBIQ+ Pride Day) is commemorated around the world. The success of this movement has been thanks to millions of activists who for many years have been singled out, attacked, persecuted, threatened and detained, for the simple fact of fighting for their rights, rights that are none other than equality and freedom.

This day has its origin in the riots in New York in 1968 that marked a before and after in the demand for the civil rights of the LGTBIQ+ group. Since then, this date has been consolidated as an opportunity to reflect, recognize the progress made and continue building a society where dignity, freedom and full equality are a reality for all.

A significant advance in the legal and social recognition of the LGTBIQ+ group was the approval of the law that allowed equal marriage and joint adoption for same-sex couples in Spain, and which this year celebrates its 21st anniversary; placing us among the most advanced in respect for family diversity and civil rights.

Thus, we also recognize that situations of inequality, violence and rejection still persist that must be eradicated with determination and institutional responsibility. According to the report ‘State of Hate: LGTBI+ State 2026’, 44% of people in the group declare having been victims of some situation of hate – discrimination, harassment, and/or aggression – during the last twelve months. This result shows that a significant proportion of the LGTBI+ population continues to face incidents motivated by prejudice or rejection towards their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or their sexual characteristics.

In aggregate terms, harassment is the most widespread situation (36%), followed by discrimination (29%) and physical aggression (22%). However, these phenomena do not occur in isolation: a considerable proportion of people report having experienced multiple forms of violence simultaneously. Particularly noteworthy is the intersection between harassment and discrimination (24%), as well as the coincidence between harassment and physical aggression (19%) and between discrimination and physical aggression (13%). Furthermore, 11% of the total number of people surveyed indicate that they have suffered all three situations together. Taken together, these results show that violence against LGTBI+ people does not respond to independent dynamics, but rather tends to accumulate and manifest in an interrelated way, intensifying the impact on those who suffer from it.

This uptick in violence is not an isolated reality. European statistics and data from the Ministry of the Interior also warn of a similar increase in hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

People between 25 and 34 years old, especially trans people and those with lower incomes, are among the profiles most exposed to hate. The combination of the variables of age, gender identity and socioeconomic situation significantly increases the risk of suffering harassment, discrimination and physical or verbal attacks.

Despite the increase in complaints, the majority of cases of hate continue not to be brought to the attention of the corresponding authorities, which is why the phenomenon of under-reporting continues to be worrying and requires special attention and specific action measures to combat it. It should be noted that women from the LGTBI+ group report the least (69%), which represents an 11% difference compared to men and non-binary people.

All of this leads us to the conclusion that our responsibility, as a public administration, is to promote and support the progress that occurs in the field of equality in the city of Fuengirola, in order to avoid any setback in the rights of the LGTBIQ+ group. With this objective, the Fuengirola City Council has organized, after the success of its previous editions, the Fulanita Fest 2026, a full week experience (held from May 25 to 31) that transformed Fuengirola into the epicenter of female culture and diversity.

Throughout the week, the Fulanita Experience program offered a wide variety of cultural and sporting events, including exhibitions, performances, film series and women’s soccer, volleyball and basketball tournaments. In addition to family spaces on the beach oriented towards diversity. As a culmination, the main event was held on Saturday, May 30 at the Marenostrum Fuengirola venue, where the public could enjoy live performances by important artists from the pop, urban, indie and electronic scene.

This series of concerts is characterized by being a free and inclusive event that aims to make visible the LGTBIQ+ collective in women and maintains that spirit of belonging by bringing together thousands of people from all over Spain, being a reference in transmitting a vindictive, singular and witty message in its commitment to pride.

The implementation of these initiatives, and the great work carried out by the Equality Area, has contributed to the recognition of the city as a space free of LGBTIphobia, a distinction that has been endorsed by the granting of an accreditation plaque in recognition of the commitment and work carried out in favor of equality and diversity.

We cannot forget the LGTBIQ+ Information and Advice Service that includes psychological advice and care, legal information, health, advice and support for mothers, fathers or relatives of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals in the process of accepting the homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality of their children. In short, it is a direct attention and information service on any topic related to the reality of the LGTBI population.

In Fuengirola City Council, you will always find an ally committed to the eradication of any form of discrimination and the defense of a fairer, diverse and inclusive society, promoting public policies based on equality, inclusion and respect for diversity.

We will continue to work for the advancement of rights and freedoms of all people, without allowing anything to limit us, allowing no one to restrict our freedom, and always with respect.”