This 17 May, the Consell de Formentera is pleased to announce several initiatives in celebration of International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Formentera premiere Alejandra Ferrer, deputy premiere Ana Juan and equality and LGTBIQ+ chief Vanessa Parellada gave a press conference in the Sant Francesc plaza in a show of local government’s support for the community with a freshly painted rainbow-coloured bench.

A pedestrian crossing in Sant Ferran has also been painted in the colours of the LGTBIQ+ flag. President Ferrer pointed to ongoing discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation, and said the newly painted benches and crosswalks were about making a statement: “As a government and as a people, Formentera supports the LGTBIQ+ community”. And she asked islanders to show “respect for diversity — it makes us richer”.

Similar actions will be performed in urban centres across Formentera, said Ferrer, who added that she hoped the visibility would ensure “our show of support rings out loud”.

Building awareness
On Thursday 20 May, local government will take to social media to share a video featuring LGTBIQ+ islanders in dramatized scenes of real-life discrimination. Councillor Parellada took the opportunity to thank the hometown volunteer actors for participating in the educational video and “putting the cause first”.

The Consell de Formentera will mark International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia with an official proclamation at local government’s May plenary assembly.

17 May 2021
Communications Department
Consell de Formentera

Earlier today Consell de Formentera equality and LGBTIQ+ chief Vanessa Parellada attended a gathering to mark the trans flag’s arrival at regional parliament. The flag is currently travelling across the autonomous regions of Spain as part of #ExigimosLaIgualdadTrans (‘WeDemandTransEquality’). The Spanish Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Trans and Bisexuals (FELGTB), Triangle Foundation and Chrysallis initiative enjoys support in the Balearics from local and regional groups like Bens Amics and Sa Clau de s’Armari. Senior regional government officials joined members of the LGTBIQ+ community for the event and flag signing.

A trans flag has similarly been hung from the Casa Consistorial in a show of support by Formentera’s government. The Consell de Formentera joined the campaign when it launched last April. Councillor Parellada underscored the local administration’s historic support for awareness around sexual and gender diversity.

From April to June, the flag’s cross-country march will be punctuated by receptions and rallies aimed at building visibility and mobilising for trans equality before the law.

#ExigimosLaIgualdadTran highlights the need for nationwide recognition of rights like the right to determine one’s gender without being subjected to requirements of third-party endorsement. With popular support, and the backing of regional and local authorities, organisers hope to overcome the impasse around talks for national legislation to guarantee legal equality for trans people.

6 May 2021
Communications Department
Council of Formentera

Formentera will join a nationwide campaign to champion equality for trans people. #ExigimosLaIgualdadTrans (‘WeDemandTransEquality’) has been backed by the Federación Estatal de Lesbianas, Gais, Trans y Bisexuales in association with local and regional partners like Fundación Triángulo and Chrysallis, an association of families of trans youth.

The initiative, whose campaigners hope to bring visibility to the cause and mobilise supporters, will see a trans flag appearing in towns across Spain from April to June, as well as municipal events and other demonstrations backing the push for equal rights for trans people before the law.

The initiative seeks the nationwide recognition of trans rights, not least the right to determine one’s gender (recognition before the law has historically been contingent on trans people’s securing support from a third party). With popular backing and support from local and regional authorities, campaigners hope to restart currently stalled debate around national legislation which would guarantee full trans rights — legislation which won cross-party favour among local decision-makers at the island’s full-house assembly this March.

“Formentera’s government has always backed initiatives that seek awareness around sexual and gender diversity and a better quality of life for all, with support for youth holding a particularly central role”, said equality and LGTBIQ+ chair Vanessa Parellada.

This April, the island’s youth drop-in centre, el Casal de Joves, has programmed a series of online discussions on trans-related issues. They will be led by Chrysallis.

15 April 2021
Communications Department
Consell de Formentera

The Formentera Department of Equality and LGBTI Affairs and Espai Dones have unveiled details about the activities lined up to commemorate International Women’s Day.

From 10.00am on the big day, Monday 8 March, members of Espai Dones will set up an information stand and put up posters emblazoned with political messages in Plaça de la Constitució. In the same square, female volunteers will read the International Women’s Day manifesto from 5.30pm.

Also included in International Women’s Day programming is Descobreix-te sense tabús, on view in the Ajuntament Vell gallery from 1 to 13 March. Photographer Llorco Llorenç and poet/model Nadine Marina’s exhibition is about changing perspectives and exploring the myriad ways of smashing stereotypes about the roles of women. The show is open to the public from 11.00am to 2.00pm and 6.00pm to 8.00pm, and closed Sundays and Monday mornings.

8 March activities in the Plaça de la Constitució and the Descobreix-te exhibit will be held in person, with Covid-19 safety protocol in place. Local premiere Alejandra Ferrer and equality-LGBTI affairs chair Vanessa Parellada applauded Espai Dones for “the tremendous effort that went into putting together this year’s Covid-safe programme, with many activities taking place online”.

Three more virtual activities will close out the month. On Thursday 18 March, islanders can log on to a web-based screening of Claudia Rei’s documentary En la bretxa plus a colloquium on workplace gender inequality to follow. To sign up, send an email to igualtat@conselldeformentera.cat.

At 7.30pm on Thursday 25 March, islanders are invited to help kick off an online book club dedicated to Ana de Miguel’s “Neoliberalismo sexual: El mito de la libre elección”. The four-part series will happen the last Thursday of each month, with moderator duties handled by Rocio Pavón and the inaugural session focusing on the book’s first chapter. Interested parties can register by emailing espaidonesformentera@gmail.com or phoning 697 941 016. Copies of the book are available for purchase at Llibreria Tur Ferrer.

Finally, Friday 26 March comes with a 7.00pm webinar by Ritxar Bacete titled “Masculinity and men in the age of feminism”. Bacete is an anthropologist specialising in gender, masculinities and positive paternity and a member of Men for Equality. To register for the webinar, send an email to igualtat@conselldeformentera.cat.

“This year it’s more important than ever that we recognise women’s role in society and continue fighting for real equality; Covid-19 has highlighted our relevance while at the same time exacerbating some of the threats we face”, said President Ferrer. “As far as women’s rights and real equality, backward steps at this point are out of the question.”

5 March 2021
Communications Department
Consell de Formentera