Tensions Rise in Tenerife as Vox’s Entry into Local Government Sparks Pride Protests
Civil rights groups in Tenerife are organizing an island-wide protest this Saturday to challenge the perceived rollback of LGTBIQA+ rights and inclusivity following the entry of the Vox party into local municipal governments.
The arrival of the political party Vox in the local governments of southern Tenerife has sparked new tensions between municipal authorities and civil rights groups. According to the association Diversas Canarias, recent decisions regarding LGTBIQA+ Pride events in Granadilla de Abona and Arona signal a political shift that threatens the visibility and equality of the local community.
In Granadilla de Abona, the controversy centers on the cancellation of this month’s planned Pride events. While the local council claims the decision was based on administrative issues, activists believe it is a direct result of the far-right’s influence in the local government, viewing it as a major step backward for social awareness.
Meanwhile, in Arona, criticism is focused on the event’s programming. Diversas has pointed out that the lineup—including the keynote speaker, panelists, and award recipients—is composed entirely of men. The association argues that this lack of inclusivity ignores lesbian, trans, bisexual, and intersex women, violating the principles of diversity that should guide public policy.
This conflict follows an earlier breakdown in communication. Local activist groups cut ties with both municipal governments after Vox joined their ruling coalitions, calling the move a betrayal of minority rights. Despite this, the association maintains that it has not abandoned those in need. It continues to provide essential social, legal, and psychological support to vulnerable residents by working directly with municipal staff to ensure services remain available.
This dispute comes at a time when both state and regional laws require local governments to actively combat discrimination and promote diversity. In response to what they describe as hostile or negligent management, activists are organizing an island-wide demonstration this Saturday in La Orotava. Under the slogan "Even if they want us on the margins, Pride points the way," the group aims to remind the public that Pride is not just a celebration, but a vital protest for democratic rights and respect across the archipelago.