The Department of Equality of the Teguise City Council celebrated International Trans Visibility Day this past Sunday at the Family Park in Tahíche.
According to the press release issued by the City Council, "the event brought together a large number of people", in addition to representatives and members of the Lánzate and Chrysallis associations, as well as the mayor of Teguise, Olivia Duque; the Councilor for Equality and Social Welfare, Nereyda González; the Councilor for Public Works, Eugenio Robayna, and the Councilor for Human Resources, Myriam Jorge, in addition to other political representatives of the municipality.
Olivia Duque has pointed out that “this important event was a vibrant testimony of our municipality's commitment to inclusion and diversity, and served as a reminder of the importance of promoting respect and equality for all people, regardless of their gender identity.”
The activities planned to commemorate this date included painting a bench, raising the trans flag, reading various manifestos and a moving performance, entitled Trans-mutating Realities. "Inspiring and moving, this artistic performance challenged perceptions and sparked conversations about the trans experience," they highlighted. Through art and expression, the realities of gender identity were explored and empathy and understanding were promoted.
There was also the participation of the writer Lorena Curbelo, author of The Little Midnight Mermaid, who presented the Bottle of Respect to the associations present. This bottle collected messages of support written by students from the municipality's educational centers during workshops dedicated to gender diversity.
Likewise, the participants joined together to embellish a bench in the park, transforming it into a symbol of diversity and acceptance. With brushes in hand, they expressed their creativity and solidarity with the trans community. The transgender flag was also raised in the park as an emblem of the fight for trans rights and visibility. This symbolic gesture recalled the importance of recognizing and respecting the gender identity of all people.
Finally, different voices rose to share manifestos that advocated for equality, justice and recognition of transgender rights. From the heart of the community, calls were made for a more inclusive and understanding society.