In response to the increase in aggressions against LGBTI collectives, and as a way of standing up for the sexual and gender diversity which enriches the city, new initiatives are being launched in the spheres of education, community, work, culture and visibility.
Notable actions planned include:
- Creation of the New Masculinities Centre. To promote and disseminate models of masculinity which are positive, open, plural and heterogenous, with training initiatives for men in the city and the generation of positive points of reference. This initiative will also promote participatory networks among men. The centre will be open to all individuals and organisations.
- Extension to the Network of Schools for Equality and Non-Discrimination. The awareness programme aimed at pupils between the ages of 6 and 16 fosters the prevention of violence and discriminatory or xenophobic behaviour in personal relationships, and the promotion of equality, equity and respect. There are currently 28 centres on this programme in the city, a figure set in increase to 37 by the end of this year.
- Programme for the FIRE!! film festival. More audio-visual materials for the Barcelona International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, organised by Casal Lambda: full-length films, documentaries and short films on affective diversity, in the broadest sense, through a careful selection of materials and productions to be distributed in community centres and schools.
- Increase in the community perspective at the LGBTI Centre. Inaugurated in 2019, the centre has become a focal point for LGBTI matters in the city. It offers a broad array of services and information, guidance and direct support, as well as a cultural programme and community action and awareness work open to everybody.
- Promotion of cultural projects. The LGBTI Museums project ran through June and July, with seven cultural institutions in the city transforming their programmes and premises to celebrate sexual diversity. The initiative will be extended, with the rest of the city’s cultural institution joining in.
Besides these initiatives, other actions will help strengthen the territorialisation of LGBTI policies through the districts, introduce prevention and care policies relating to LGBTI-phobia and violence, and boost the working group for the recovery of LGBTI democratic memory in the city. The Guide to improve trans employability will also be rolled out for workers with employment services, along with the Guide to establish gender transition protocols in the workplace.
Citywide presence
A new campaign is under way to remind people there is no place for any act of intolerance in the city. The campaign involves the installation of rainbow-coloured Roman blinds with the message ‘LGBTI-phobia, you’re not welcome’ at the main entrances to municipal buildings and the metro stations of Jaume I and Universitat. The campaign was produced in collaboration with the creative communication agency Equipo Singular.