Although it is officially celebrated on the 28th, Mijas joined the commemoration of International LGTBI Pride Day on Friday 27th. The event included the reading of the manifesto adopted by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), which expresses support for public policies that promote equal opportunities and mutual respect.

The event, promoted by the Department of Family and Equal Opportunities, took place at the so-called Wall of Diversity, next to the Mijas Town Hall. It was the mayoress of the town, Ana Mata (PP), who read the FEMP declaration, which highlights the importance of education, awareness-raising and dialogue as tools to strengthen social cohesion and tolerance. “From the Mijas Town Hall we reaffirm our firm commitment to the democratic values of equality, respect, freedom and dignity, while also highlighting the role of local governments in promoting safe, inclusive and respectful environments where diversity is recognised as a shared value that enriches community life”. 

The manifesto calls on the Spanish Government to provide Town Halls with specific funding for this purpose, so that “they can continue developing protocols for the comprehensive support of victims of intolerance-driven aggression, with a focus on protecting children, trans people, and other vulnerable groups". The FEMP also stresses the need to provide training in sexual and gender diversity for municipal staff, “especially in areas such as Social Services, public safety, and education”, added the mayoress.

According to the FEMP declaration, nearly half of LGTBI victims of physical, sexual or verbal assaults do not report them due to fear or lack of confidence in the institutional process. In this regard, the mayoress advocated for a society free from stereotypes, stating that “Spain is a country where freedoms take precedence over any individual interest, and this must continue to be upheld by each and every institution".

Lastly, the mayoress, who is also the councillor for Family and Equal Opportunities, pledged to work closely with the group Colega, an association that has been advocating for all sexual identities, expressions and orientations for over two decades. Its president, Santiago Rubio, also attended the reading and highlighted the importance of "creating equality policies, putting the manifesto into practice,and bringing it closer to young people".

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