Under the slogan 'A Ponent, proud, critical, and diverse,' the procession traversed the city from Plaça de la Pau to the Panera venue, with approximately 200 participants according to the Guardia Urbana. The celebration, now in its tenth year, was supported by the Paeria and the consell comarcal.
Members of the community, allies, friends, and families enjoyed music and expressed their identities. "We come to have a good time and to claim our gender so we can be ourselves," stated two emotional attendees. Another participant highlighted the importance of the ongoing struggle, noting that "there are still groups suffering discrimination" and that "rights can be lost very quickly."
“"We will not retreat, we will not allow any step back in human rights, nor be used as a political weapon. We denounce all the violence we suffer, but we also celebrate that we are many, strong, and diverse, and that despite everything, we are still here."
From the Panera stage, hosted by activist Brigitta Lamoure, a manifesto was read denouncing the violence experienced by the community and celebrating its strength. Jordi Jiménez, a board member of Colors de Ponent, thanked the efforts of previous generations who fought for current rights.
Lleida's mayor, Fèlix Larrosa, expressed his aspiration to be "the mayor of a city where no one hides for loving whom they love." Meanwhile, the Councilor for Equality, Roberto Pino, emphasized the work of the Integral Attention Service for the LGBTI+ Collective (SAI), operational since 2019, to advise and support those in need.
The commemoration on June 28th recalls the Stonewall riots of 1969, a turning point in the LGBTIQ+ rights movement. In Catalonia, the first march took place on June 26, 1977, in Barcelona.
