Bide zuzena, ibilbide okerrak | Historias del movimiento LGTBQ en Gasteiz

Stonewall and the Birth of LGTBI Activism

The Stonewall Uprising

• On June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall pub in New York, trans individuals, lesbians, and gay men rebelled against police harassment, marking a pivotal moment for the LGTBI community.

• This uprising represented a significant inflection point against systemic oppression imposed by society and laws.

The Impact of Francisco Vadillo's Death

• On June 10, 1979, police killed Francisco Vadillo 'Francis' in Errenteria's Iztieta neighborhood for being a transvestite.

• His death galvanized the EHGAM collective to combat homophobia, lesbophobia, and transphobia across the Basque Country.

Early Gay Movement in Gasteiz

• In Gasteiz during this period, there was little visibility for gay culture; gatherings were often secretive among known groups.

• A medical professional suggested electroshock treatment or connecting with a gay group when treating someone from this community.

Legislation Changes and Social Movements

Historical Context of Discrimination Laws

• The infamous Law on Social Dangerousness was still present but not actively enforced during this time.

• Many groups disappeared after changes to this law were proposed following early protests in Bilbao.

Remembering Suffragists

• To understand changes in society regarding LGTBI rights starting around 1994 under Mayor Cuerda is essential; social mobilization played a crucial role.

Establishment of Civil Registry for Same-Sex Couples

• In 1994, Gasteiz opened a civil registry for same-sex couples—a progressive step that acknowledged sexual relationships between people of the same sex.

Wider Implications and International Reactions

Administrative Limitations

• While limited to administrative recognition within a small city context, it sparked broader discussions about civil rights across Spain.

Influence Beyond Borders

• Approximately 200 municipalities followed suit by establishing similar civil registries based on Gasteiz’s model.

• This initiative gained international attention; notably resonating positively even as far as Argentina.

Support and Opposition Encountered

Local Supporters

• Key figures like Juan San Martín Ararteko supported these initiatives alongside Antonio Beristaine from the Basque Institute of Criminology.

Religious Opposition

• Received mixed responses including supportive letters from various entities while also facing criticism from local church authorities citing doctrinal conflicts.

The Emergence of Lesbian Groups

Formation of Lesbian Identity Groups

• The push for lesbian identity led to the formation of dedicated groups as women sought spaces where they felt comfortable advocating their identities.

Reflections on Necessity

Visibility and Identity in the LGBTQ+ Community

The Importance of Visibility

• The speaker discusses the significance of visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing that it was a crucial need at the time. Groups formed from this necessity aimed to enhance both visibility in society and empowerment.

Formation of Lesbian Groups

• The speaker recounts their experience approaching lesbian groups through local assemblies, highlighting how these gatherings were essential for creating community among lesbians who were often hidden due to fear.

Early Activism and Collective Identity

• A group called ALA emerged from these early meetings, focusing on shared concerns among women with similar ages and feminist ideologies. They sought to create a space where they felt represented.

Challenges of Coming Out

• Many individuals remained in the closet during this period, facing significant challenges when trying to come out. There was a strong desire for identity formation and mutual recognition within the community.

Intersectionality in Activism

• The speaker notes that there was an effort to distinguish between mixed-gender gay collectives and those focused solely on lesbians, recognizing the unique discrimination faced by each group.

The Struggle for Acceptance

Claiming Space and Identity

• During this time, there was a push for acceptance where individuals openly identified as gay or lesbian. This movement aimed to assert their differences against societal norms while demanding respect.

Focus on Prevention and Health Awareness

• Health awareness campaigns were prevalent, particularly around issues like safe sex practices. Events often combined celebration with advocacy for health education.

Building Community Through Meetings

• Regular meetings fostered a sense of belonging among members who found strength in solidarity. These gatherings became vital spaces for sharing experiences and mobilizing activism.

Emergence of Gay Collectives

Collaboration Among LGBTQ+ Groups

• The speaker reflects on collaborative efforts between different LGBTQ+ groups during pride events, emphasizing friendship and collective action against homophobia.

Addressing Societal Homophobia

• There was a strong desire to raise awareness about homophobia within society. Activists aimed to bring visibility to both gay and lesbian struggles while also acknowledging emerging trans rights movements.

Navigating Public Affection

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about public displays of affection being fraught with fear but ultimately serving as acts of reclamation over their right to exist freely without fear.

Akanpadak: The Formation of a Community

Early Organization and Community Building

• The speaker reflects on the early days of organizing Akanpadak, which took place at the end of September or the beginning of October. Significant effort was required to gather around fifteen people for these camps.

• They established connections with various women's collectives, including a group for widows, highlighting the diversity within their community efforts.

• There were no existing networks or visibility for lesbians at that time; gatherings consisted of about one hundred women discussing and sharing experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cultural Events and Symbolism

• Important cultural events began to emerge from these gatherings, such as the first parties organized by "Elefante Blanco," featuring performances that served both entertainment and advocacy purposes.

• These events became platforms for self-expression where participants proudly identified as "marikak" (a colloquial term for gay men), challenging societal norms in Gasteiz.

Visibility and Advocacy Efforts

• The emergence of symbols and imagery played a crucial role in fostering safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. A notable campaign involved public posters calling for visibility among similar individuals.

• Despite initial resistance from local authorities regarding these campaigns, they persisted in advocating against homophobia while promoting pride and visibility.

Campaign Impact and Challenges

• The campaign led to significant changes, with local government eventually agreeing to display anti-discrimination messages across municipal facilities.

• Although there were challenges like vandalism or refusal to display certain posters, overall, the initiative successfully raised awareness about LGBTQ+ issues within the community.

Growth of Movement and Public Engagement

• The movement gained momentum through strong campaigns that encouraged public participation in demonstrations. Initial protests saw more attendees than expected despite some opposition.

• As awareness grew, so did participation in events outside Gasteiz. This included attending larger demonstrations in Madrid, emphasizing the need for greater visibility in smaller cities.

EMAKUNDE and the Visibility of Lesbians

The Emergence of EMAKUNDE

• The speaker discusses the presence of many people at events, highlighting that they were not only fun but also served as a platform for various claims. They mention EMAKUNDE, the Basque Women's Institute, which invited them to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

Critique of EMAKUNDE's Sensitivity

• A sentiment is expressed regarding EMAKUNDE's lack of sensitivity towards their needs and existence. They undertook a small action by replacing EMAKUNDE’s business cards with their own, humorously renaming it "Emakume Heterosexualaren Euskal Erakundea" (Basque Heterosexual Women's Institute).

Launching a Radio Show

• The idea for a radio show titled "¡El Guirigay!" emerged to discuss gay themes without shame or censorship. This was seen as an opportunity to break into visibility.

Building Community in Gasteiz

• The group sought ways to be visible and found support in Gasteiz through local media. They reflect on how long their projects lasted, noting that they had a significant audience during their time from 1994 to 2002.

Contextual Challenges Faced

• The speaker emphasizes the absence of social networks, internet access, or mobile phones during that period. Their group relied on personal resources and skills to create impactful initiatives.

The Formation of Gaztelesbos

Need for Visibility Among Lesbians

• In 1996, several young women recognized the need for visibility among lesbians and formed a group called Gaztelesbos. This initiative aimed at creating community connections.

Activism Inspired by ALA

• ALA (Asociación de Lesbianas y Gais de Álava) was very active at that time and served as an important reference point for them. They organized protests and celebrations together.

Political Engagement in Local Elections

Unique Political Discussions

• During local elections around 1999 or 2000, there was an unusual roundtable discussion involving various political parties including PSOE and PP. One candidate admitted uncertainty about what he should say regarding LGBTQ+ issues.

Confrontation with Political Norms

• There was tension between street movements and institutions; activists felt that if they did not act decisively, their rights would be overlooked by political entities.

Establishment of LESGAYTEGIA

Creation of Safe Spaces

• Over time, alongside Gaytasuna and ALA, they established LESGAYTEGIA to provide a space where individuals could gather freely to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and organize events openly.

The Evolution of a Community Space

Initial Vision and Purpose

• The initial concept was to create an open space that welcomed everyone, aiming for visibility and accessibility. The goal was to offer activities in a communal environment.

Building Connections

• The open local space facilitated connections with new people, enhancing community dynamism. It featured large windows that allowed passersby to see inside, which was significant for engagement.

Socialization and Activities

• The space served as a social hub where various events were held, fostering relationships among attendees. It provided an informal atmosphere for mingling and socializing.

Diverse Group Dynamics

• A diverse group formed within the community, each member contributing unique strengths. This collaboration led to strong relationships and collective support among members.

Challenges with Local Authorities

• Tensions arose with local authorities regarding promotional materials; despite financial constraints imposed by the municipality, the group persisted in their initiatives.

Self-Financing Initiatives

• Lesgaytegia became self-financed through various programming efforts including video forums and parties. Events culminated in celebrations like those on June 28th.

Resource Sharing and Services

• The community developed a library service where members could borrow books or media. This initiative encouraged resource sharing among participants.

Collective Identity Formation

• Many individuals involved identified collectively rather than individually, blending activism with leisure activities in a supportive environment.

Creative Collaborations

• Members engaged creatively with local print shops to produce promotional materials like maps highlighting "gay-friendly" businesses, fostering community awareness.

Navigating Stigmas

• Some resistance emerged around the use of terms like "Gaytasuna," reflecting broader societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ identities during this period.

Addressing Service Gaps

• The movement aimed to fill gaps left by traditional organizations that offered limited assistance. This grassroots approach lasted two years but had lasting impacts on local activism.

Legacy of Activism Groups

• Groups like 7menos20 played pivotal roles in shaping activist strategies and approaches within the community, leaving significant legacies behind even after their dissolution.

Shifting Perspectives on Relationships

• New perspectives emerged around romantic relationships beyond traditional norms, emphasizing inclusivity within queer identities through performance art and expression.

Cultural Impact of Activism

• 7menos20's influence brought vibrancy to local activism while challenging existing narratives about gender roles and relationships within society at large.

Emergence of New Movements

Origin of the Group's Name and First Gathering

Initial Motivation and Gathering

• The group was formed spontaneously by several women who wanted to take action, despite not having a clear plan.

• The name of the group originated from their first gathering, which unexpectedly attracted 200 participants instead of the anticipated 75.

• Due to a calculation error, they charged everyone €20 less than intended, leading them to cover the shortfall from their own pockets.

Purpose and Experience

• They aimed to address issues related to sexuality in a safe space without social media influence; the event was successful and well-received.

• Their focus was on genuine interest rather than obligation; they believed in participating only if they were truly motivated.

Challenges Faced and Radical Actions

Addressing Patriarchy

• They conducted an evaluation of patriarchy during that time, recalling that it was considered radical but remains relevant today.

• Despite being labeled as radicals years ago, there is now a need for renewed scrutiny of patriarchal structures.

Impact on Feminist Movement

• They acknowledged their influence on the feminist movement but faced challenges in gaining acceptance for certain terms like "heteropatriarchy."

• There was frustration regarding prioritization within feminist discussions, particularly concerning issues like abortion versus LGBTQ+ rights.

Collaboration with Other Movements

Intersectionality in Activism

• The group sought collaboration with feminists, gay activists, and trans individuals while advocating for their own causes.

• Participation in events led by notable figures such as Diane Torr highlighted their commitment to intersectional activism.

Humor as Political Tool

• They aimed to incorporate humor into political discourse; even when outcomes weren't ideal, they found joy in pursuing what mattered to them.

Reflections on Past Activism

Historical Context of EHGAM

• The discussion touched upon EHGAM's evolution over time and its relationship with earlier LGBTQ+ movements like GAYTASUNA.

Personal Motivations for Activism

Reflections on Activism and Community Building

The Context of Activism

• Discussion about the challenges faced during activism, particularly in relation to Franco's regime. The speaker notes that significant dates like E28a or May 17th attracted many participants, highlighting a sense of urgency and importance.

• Mention of Maria Jesus Lastra, a woman who was imprisoned and later worked at Aldapako bokaterian. Her experience reflects the struggles faced by individuals within activist circles.

Collective Actions and Responses

• The group organized a press conference with 7menos20 to raise awareness about their cause, indicating an increase in media attention compared to previous efforts. They also held a concentration near the bokateria to call for a boycott.

• Acknowledgment of internal debates regarding identity politics within the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing that being gay does not automatically create alliances among all members.

Recognition and Awards

• Introduction of "Trapuzko Espartina," an award given by EHGAM Bizkaiak, which highlights political statements made by public figures regarding sexual health practices.

• Anecdote about navigating bureaucratic processes in the parliament where unexpected outcomes occurred, showcasing the complexities involved in advocacy work.

Shifts in Perspectives

• Reflection on how discussions around binarism were relatively new at that time; this indicates evolving conversations within activist spaces regarding gender identity.

• Celebration of victories achieved during events like June 28th, marking progress in visibility and acceptance for marginalized communities.

Establishing Safe Spaces

• Description of SUKUBO as a transformative space for community gathering since its inception in 2012. It served as a hub for various activities including performances and social gatherings related to LGBTQ+ issues.

• Emphasis on SUKUBO’s role as a reference point for other movements while acknowledging its impact on local culture and activism over time.

Autonomy and Empowerment

• Highlighting the importance of self-managed spaces where individuals can express themselves freely through various forms such as art, dance, and food sharing.

• Recognition that SUKUBO became an essential venue for fostering emotional connections among community members while promoting political discourse.

Gender Perspectives in Activism

• Discussion on integrating feminist perspectives into projects like SUKUBO to challenge existing power dynamics within society effectively.

• Noting that all talks initiated were transfeminist from the start; this approach encouraged critical reflection on trans identities within broader societal contexts.

Memory Recovery Initiatives

• Mention of collaborative projects aimed at recovering memories from both Gasteiz's lesbian community and those from Chiapas, Mexico. This initiative underscores the significance placed on historical narratives within activism.

Promoting Gender Diversity and Human Rights

The Need for Spaces Supporting Diversity

• There is hope for the creation of new spaces in Gasteiz that promote sexual and gender diversity, similar to the now-closed SUKUBO.

• A strong desire and energy are necessary to establish such spaces, along with more debate and reflection on these issues.

Importance of Theory Behind Action

• Words can change things; actions alone are insufficient without a theoretical foundation or deep reflection behind them.

• Personal growth through friendships and learning has led to a better understanding of feminism and anti-fascism.

Personal Growth Through Activism

• Engaging in activism has been enriching personally, leading to significant political growth and enjoyment despite challenges faced during discussions.

• Activism has become a lifestyle; it shapes how one understands their existence within a heteropatriarchal society.

Identity Formation Through Community

• Gradually forming an identity involves recognizing shared experiences with others facing similar situations, which is empowering.

• Activism allows individuals to reclaim their identities as queer men, breaking away from imposed gender norms.

The Role of Collective Experience

• Emphasizing the importance of representation in discourse, especially for those who do not identify with traditional heterosexual norms.

• Being openly lesbian at 16 was challenging but ultimately rewarding due to the support received from community efforts.

Reflection on Past Experiences

• Past struggles have shaped personal identity; engaging with diverse groups provided opportunities for learning and connection.

• SUKUBO served as a pivotal point for addressing concerns related to activism while fostering community bonds.

Achievements and Ongoing Challenges

• Despite progress made through activism, issues like transphobia, lesbophobia, and homophobia persist in society today.