Discussing Two Decades of Marriage Equality to Stream Live on YouTube and Channel 24 Hours
Celebrating Two Decades of Same-sex Marriage in Spain: A Refreshing Look at the Struggle for Equality
It's been twenty years since Spain legalized same-sex marriage, and we're diving headfirst into this historical milestone with a lively special program. This event will delve into the activism journey that paved the way for this groundbreaking achievement, its impact, and the hurdles still facing the fight for equality and LGBTIQ+ rights.
Two familiar faces guiding us through this journey will be Igor Gómez, a charismatic Weekend News host, and Angela Fernández, a renowned RNE journalist. This program will feature LGBTIQ+ trailblazers from diverse generations, along with individuals eager to share their heartfelt stories, thereby shedding light on the significance of this law and the battles yet to come.
Among the guests will be Paco Tomás, a prominent journalist and RNE’s Wisteria Lane program director, whose efforts have significantly shaped Spain's LGBTIQ+ history. We'll also hear from Sara Peláez, a respected basketball referee, Daniel Valero, affectionately known as Tigrillo on social media, Rubén Áviles, an outspoken Generation Z activist, and Federico Armenteros, president of the December 26 Foundation. This foundation aims to create the first public LGBTIQ+ residence in the Spanish state, offering 62 residential spaces and 15 day center spaces in the near future.
A Retrospective and a Glimpse into the Future
The special will balance engaging debates among guests with presentations from historical activists who tirelessly fought for the law's approval in 2005, as well as individuals who experienced these transformative moments following legalization. Our platform will delve into the symbolic and political weight of same-sex marriage, while also highlighting that, despite the progress, full equality remains elusive.
In modern-day Spain, more than 812,000 LGBTIQ+ individuals fell victim to attacks last year, and one in four reported experiencing discrimination. This adversity disproportionately affects lesbian and bisexual women and the new generations, with a quarter of young LGBTIQ+ individuals enduring hate during their school years. Although over 57,000 complaints related to hate crimes against the LGBTIQ+ community were registered in the past five years, only 29 cases have resulted in a conviction.
Worldwide Perspectives
Homosexuality remains illegal in 62 United Nations member countries, and 12 impose the death penalty for such offenses. Although some nations are making strides—Thailand recently legalized same-sex marriage this year—others are experiencing regressions, even in countries where these rights were thought to be securely established.
Tune In for the Anniversary Celebration
Join us beginning at 20:10 on Channel 24 Hours or YouTube for live coverage of this special anniversary program. The discussion will tackle steps backward, the escalation of hate speech, and lingering issues, including the full acknowledgment of diverse families. This intergenerational perspective will seamlessly connect the perspectives of the youngest with those of the pioneers who paved the way, ensuring that those born in a country with many rights already earned never forget that social progress should never be considered a given.
The average viewer may find it eye-opening to learn that, despite Spain's progressive step towards same-sex marriage legalization two decades ago, the fight for complete equality and LGBTIQ+ rights remains ongoing, with one in four individuals still facing discrimination.In a broader context, around the world, progress towards LGBTIQ+ rights varies greatly, with numerous countries still criminalizing homosexuality and even imposing the death penalty for it, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and awareness.
