Compromís-Sumar advance on LGTBI rights in Alicante during Pride events
During the city’s Pride celebrations on Saturday, July 15, the political coalition composed of Compromís and Sumar highlighted its continued commitment to defend the rights and freedoms of the LGTBI community. The group underscored that maintaining policies that support well-being and equality is essential, especially when facing challenges to progress. The crowd heard a clear message: the coalition intends to press forward with the necessary reforms to safeguard and enhance the quality of life for LGTBI individuals.
Imma Orozco, the second candidate on the Add to Congress list, reminded attendees of the momentum built over the past two legislatures. She described the coalition as steering what she called leading policies for LGTBI rights and freedoms, and she reaffirmed the determination to keep advancing this agenda as of the recent election period. Her remarks emphasized that central government should actively promote these policies, and she hinted at political resistance faced in Valencia while signaling a broader push to oppose any retreat from hard-won protections.
Alicante’s Congress list chair, Txema Guijarro, noted that the city has continued to move forward despite opposition. He stated that the team will persist in seeking new rights and expanding existing ones, framing the effort as a multi-front conquest that spans the ballot box, the institutions, and the streets. He stressed the importance of defending a progressive trans rights framework and argued that other left-leaning parties have shown insufficient courage to advance minority protections, a stance he framed as a moral and political duty.
Guijarro further highlighted that the Alicante candidacy aims to secure a second seat, stressing the potential impact of a few hundred votes in a tight race. He described a discreet, high-stakes contest in that district, arguing that every vote counts toward delivering progressive policies to Madrid while countering fascist rhetoric and ensuring greater electoral support for minority rights.
The top Valencia roster, Águeda Micó, spoke about the significance of election day and the pride that comes with mobilizing supporters in Alicante. She described Sumar as a political project prioritizing the rights of people and called for the creation of a shared social agenda. This would involve participation and collaboration with the LGTBI community, social movements, institutions, and political parties to advance inclusive policies that reflect the needs of diverse communities.
Micó also highlighted a crucial priority: ensuring public administration and security forces receive comprehensive education on LGTBI issues. The aim is to promote understanding, reduce hostility, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of orientation. She asserted that, in practice, public authorities must stand against any manifest expressions of hate and discrimination.
In a separate development, Compromís-Sumar representatives discussed engaging with unions to better understand the real-world challenges and outcomes reflected in official statistics. The dialogue aimed to translate data into concrete improvements for rights and social inclusion, ensuring that policy decisions are informed by lived experiences and measurable impact.
Senate candidate Llum Quiñonero closed the discourse by framing the choice as a path toward continued progress or a slide back into restricted spaces for LGTBI individuals. He referenced the balcony of the Alicante Town Hall and pointed to the absence of symbolic gestures such as the rainbow flag as a reminder that policy decisions have tangible effects on municipal culture and equality initiatives. The message was clear: leadership at the local level can reflect broader commitments to equality and protection for the LGTBI community.