The Ayuntamiento de La Laguna is nearing the completion of the restoration of 12 benches adorned with the colours of the LGBTQIA+ flag, as well as trans, intersex, non-binary, and feminist flags, located in various areas of the municipality. The work commenced in July, as explained by the local council to Atlántico Hoy, and once finished, six new benches will be installed. This initiative is part of the Visible Spaces project, launched several years ago, aimed at promoting diversity through publicly displayed elements.

Project Overview

The initiative began in 2023 and involves intervening in and painting benches at 12 locations across the municipality with the colours of different flags representative of the LGBTQIA+ community and feminism. In addition, they feature plaques with QR codes that provide citizens with access to information regarding the origins of each flag, key figures in the movement, and other reference materials.

The restoration efforts have included the dismantling of the benches, sanding, and repairing surfaces, replacement of damaged parts, and subsequent repainting of the LGBTQIA+ flags. Each bench is also treated with a protective coating to enhance its durability against adverse weather conditions.

Locations

The project covers a wide range of locations throughout the municipality: Domingo Cubas Square (San Matías), El Polvorín Park (Taco), the Technological and Scientific Park (Las Mantecas), the Javier Fernández Quesada Student Park, and Secundino Delgado Square (in the historic centre), San Benito Park, the parish of Santa Rosa de Lima (Guamasa), the Valle Guerra civic centre, Jardines de Tejina Park, the Bajamar swimming pool, the Furnias Park (Punta del Hidalgo), and the Tram Square (La Cuesta).

For these works, urban restoration materials were used, including exterior acrylic paints, primers, protective varnishes, and both electric and manual carpentry and painting tools, along with hardware materials for fixing and replacing damaged components.

Visibility Matters

During the project’s inauguration in 2023, the council explained that the initiative stemmed from “the intention for all citizens to understand these realities and thus continue to grow towards a more diverse, respectful, and plural population.” On that occasion, representatives from LGBTQIA+ associations accompanied the council on a tour of the new spaces.

Participants also emphasised the significance of visibility. Clara Montesdeoca from Caminar Intersex highlighted that the main goal was for society to find “a space where they can truly connect, and if they have questions, they can refer to associations and groups through the QR codes for assistance.”

Similarly, Gabri from Chrysallis Canarias noted that “what is not visible, does not exist,” emphasizing the accessibility provided by the QR codes to bring information closer to the public. From Aperttura, an association for transgender people in Tenerife, it was reiterated that the benches provided “visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community,” while Transboys, a group for transgender men, asserted that La Laguna is increasingly becoming “a place where we can feel secure.”