On Friday, October 17th, Maspalomas hosted the event “Pioneras y pioneros del orgullo: memoria viva en Maspalomas” – an evening dedicated to remembrance, visibility and appreciation for decades of work within the LGBTQIA+ community. For us at GLAY, it was a meaningful occasion, as our President André was recognised for his long-standing contribution and continued involvement in the local community.

We are pleased about this recognition, which highlights years of consistent commitment and engagement. André has helped strengthen the sense of connection and visibility within the community in Maspalomas, and this award underlines the importance of that ongoing effort.

The event, held in a warm and respectful atmosphere, celebrated those who helped shape local LGBTQIA+ history and reminded us that commitment and collaboration are still essential today.

André’s reaction to the recognition offered a thoughtful perspective that resonated with many in our community.
(The following text was originally written in Spanish and translated by GLAY.)

Much has changed for the better in the 40 years since I came out of the closet.

And yet, I do not envy the young people of today.

Yes, they have more rights, more recognition, but at the same time, they also face other challenges and worries.

While my generation mainly struggled with the barrier of self-acceptance and social acceptance, the current generation has had many more opportunities to avoid that important and essential struggle for self-acceptance.

Society remains heteronormative, and despite our intentions, many of our LGBTQ+ leaders fight for emancipation and acceptance that still fit within that heteronormative framework.

Biological sex is not a social construct, but gender expression is.

A man in a dress or a masculine woman should not raise doubts, nor should every woman who wants to live as a man, or vice versa, be forced to legally transition to another gender.

That perceived need is precisely the result of heteronormative thinking.

A heteronormative way of thinking that the LGBTQ+ community should resist, rather than conform to.

There is still much work to be done, and I trust that future generations of activists and free thinkers will continue this fight.

These words reflect André’s long-standing approach: thoughtful, honest and focused on dialogue and reflection within the community.

For GLAY, this recognition is a sign of appreciation for many years of voluntary work and for the ongoing effort to build and support our local LGBTQIA+ network. We thank everyone who was part of this evening and congratulate André on this acknowledgment of his commitment.