With the arrival of the holidays in Euskadi, Berdindu and the Department of Welfare, Youth and Demographic Challenge of the Basque Government send a clear message: violence against the LGTBIQ+ group continues to occur, also in festive contexts. And we can’t look away.
When the party is not safe for everyone
Celebrations, such as the La Blanca festivities in Vitoria-Gasteiz, bring with them joy, music and coexistence… but also scenarios where violence can emerge. Why is this happening? Because in many cases, the consumption of alcohol and drugs intensifies and, with it, attitudes that reproduce models of aggressive masculinity. And that, inevitably, creates a dangerous environment for many people: women, racialized people and, especially, the LGTBIQ+ community.
From Berdindu—the Basque public service for sexual and gender diversity—they insist: the solution does not depend only on the victims or the security forces. The key is collective responsibility. Preventing attacks is a shared task.
How to act if you witness or suffer an attack?
On the occasion of the 2025 festive calendar, Berdindu has launched a decalogue with clear guidelines to know how to act in case of violence or discrimination. Here are the most relevant ones:
- Emergencies: Call 112. If you are a woman victim of sexual assault, you can also contact the 24-hour Crisis Centers.
- Medical assistance: If you suffer physical or psychological damage, go to a hospital. The medical report can serve as evidence in a complaint.
- Festive spaces: Approach the purple dots or consult with reference people at the event. Always follow established protocols.
- Outside the festival venue: If you are on the street or in a venue, call your trusted LGTBIQ+ association or the state number 028 (Rainbow Service).
It may seem like a lot, but having this information at hand can make the difference between impunity and justice.
Figures that worry
The data doesn’t lie. According to the Eraberean Network, until July 28, 2025, 44 cases of discrimination have been addressed in Euskadi, of which 16 (37%) were for LGTBIQ+phobic reasons. In 2024, the cases were 83 in total, with 34 related to LGTBIQ+phobia.
Are we improving? Or do we simply learn to report more? These are questions that remain open. What we do know is that 50 attacks in just two years for reasons of orientation or identity are still too many.
Resources that save lives
You are not alone. If you ever experience a situation of violence, discrimination or violation of rights, these are the key contacts:
🔥 General emergencies: 112
🆘 24-hour crisis centers (sexual violence)
- Araba (Tximeletak): 650 80 10 80 – araba.eus
- Bizkaia: 900 84 09 77 – atencionviolenciasexual@bizkaia.eus
- Gipuzkoa (Hariberria): 900 84 01 88 / WhatsApp: 747 44 43 89 – hariberria@gipuzkoa.eus
🌈 LGTBIQ+ Assistance
- Ikusgune (Gasteiz): 633 309 653
- Anitzak (Bilbao): 613 021 193
- Gehitu (Gipuzkoa): 607 829 807
- State Rainbow Service: 028
Eraberean Network: weaving royal supports
The Basque Government also remembers that the Eraberean Network exists, an initiative that it coordinates with different social entities. Its function is clear: to offer specialized care, legal advice and support in any case of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race or ethnic origin.
Because yes, laws exist. But without support, without accompaniment, many people would never report.
Don’t shut up, don’t shut up
At parties, on the street, in your group of friends… it’s time to look around and ask yourself: are you making your environment a safe place for everyone? Violence against LGTBIQ+ people does not take vacations. And you, what will you do about it?
