- The first International LGTBIQ+ Congress of Asturias is held from October 16 to 18 at the Asturian Institute of Youth in Oviedo.
- There are already about 130 registered people, more than expected, and speakers from Italy, Argentina, the United States, and El Salvador.
- The organization warns that the Asturian LGTBI law is at risk with the early elections.
The first International LGTBIQ+ Congress of Asturias has already exceeded expectations. It is organized by the Government of the Principality and the association Xega, and will be held from October 16 to 18 at the Asturian Institute of Youth. There are already about 130 registered people and it comes with the elections on November 29 as a backdrop.
When and where is the LGTBIQ+ Congress of Asturias?
The congress takes place from October 16 to 18, 2026, in the Adolfo Saro room of the Asturian Institute of Youth. The name of the room is not casual: it is a tribute to Adolfo Saro, co-founder of Xega in 1992 and one of the pioneers in the fight for LGTBIQ+ rights in Asturias.
The capacity is limited and the complete program is available on the Transparency Portal of the Principality.
Who participates?
The congress brings together activists and speakers from Italy, Argentina, the United States, and El Salvador, as well as representatives from the political, sports, and cultural fields. According to MiOviedo, among the participants are Bob Pop and other figures from activism.
The organization has highlighted that the nearly 130 registrations exceed “by far” the initial expectations.
What will be discussed?
The program revolves around three axes: the situation of LGTBIQ+ rights in countries that have restricted them, the history of the collective’s struggle, and future challenges. It is an international approach that focuses on what happens when rights are no longer guaranteed.
“The most important elections in our democracy”
The congress arrives marked by the early elections. It was presented by Nuria Rodríguez, general director of Citizen Participation, Transparency, Sexual Diversity, and LGTBI of the Principality, who did not hide her concern.
“We are probably facing the most important elections in the history of our democracy,” she stated. Rodríguez described the moment as “vital” and assured that “the rights of the collective are at stake in the electoral call.”
She also warned that the Asturian LGTBI law, which is still not approved, “is already at risk if it is not understood what is at stake.” Therefore, she called for “a progressive government that continues to defend the rights of everyone.”
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Frequently asked questions
When is the International LGTBIQ+ Congress of Asturias?
From October 16 to 18, 2026.
Where is it held?
In the Adolfo Saro room of the Asturian Institute of Youth.
Who organizes it?
The Government of the Principality of Asturias and the association Xega.
