This project was initiated by the LGBTIQA+ Municipal Council of La Laguna and reached 12 locations across the municipality
In 2023, the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna launched the “Visible Spaces” project, an initiative proposed by the groups within the LGBTIQA+ Municipal Council. Its aim is to highlight diversity and promote respect and integration within society.
The project involved artistic interventions of public benches at 12 strategic locations within the municipality, which were painted in the colours of various LGBTIQA+ flags. Each bench also included a QR code providing information about the origin and history of the corresponding flag, along with a plaque identifying the location as part of this network of inclusive spaces.
The locations involved were: Plaza Domingo Cubas (San Matías), Parque El Polvorín (Taco), Parque Tecnológico y Científico (Las Mantecas), Parque Estudiante Javier Fernández Quesada (Casco), Plaza San Secundino Delgado (Casco), Parque San Benito (San Benito), Parroquia Santa Rosa de Lima (Guamasa), Centro Ciudadano de Valle Guerra, Parque Jardines de Tejina, Piscina de Bajamar, Parque de Las Furnias (Punta del Hidalgo), and Plaza del Tranvía (La Cuesta). Notably, this project received international recognition in 2023 at the Congress of the European Intersex Organisation (OII) for its contribution to raising awareness of the realities faced by intersex individuals, among others.
However, in recent months, damage has been observed to the benches, both from the passage of time and acts of vandalism. To date, the QR codes and informative plaques have not been replaced, nor has the original painting been restored, which threatens to undermine the impact and continuity of this initiative. “This project was one of the most beautiful initiatives undertaken in the previous term, as it was a request from the groups themselves and aimed to disseminate and raise awareness among the entire population about the history of the LGBTIQA+ community and its demands. It was another way to pave the way for all in our society,” said Idaira Afonso, councillor for Unidas se puede and former councillor for Equality and Diversity in the municipality.
“It is essential to decentralise actions, and this was a prime example. It wasn’t just a random proposal; it also involved a Employment Plan that designed the texts and selected the locations, in collaboration with the Council and the councillorship. If we genuinely want a 100% inclusive society where being, feeling, and existing can be a reality with full freedom for everyone, the least the Council can do is maintain projects like this that promote visibility and awareness, especially in light of the conservative shift we are experiencing, where some seek to curtail rights and roll back progress. It is not enough to display the flag only on specific dates; it is a daily commitment we must uphold in all spaces,” Afonso stated.
Unidas se puede is calling on the local institution to clarify if there are plans to intervene in the Visible Spaces initiative and when this may occur, in order to resume the maintenance and care of these spaces to ensure they continue to fulfil their role in raising awareness, education, and promoting diversity in the municipality.
