The Council of Ministers has approved for the first time two state strategies that seek to protect and guarantee the rights of LGTBIQ+ and trans people. This initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Equality, responds to the mandate of Law 4/2023 and aims to lay the foundations for real equality throughout Spanish territory. What does this mean in practice and how will it affect? We tell you.
A common framework to advance rights
The LGTBI State Strategy is proposed as the backbone of public policies to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. It will last four years and will be a guide for all public administrations, but also includes companies, NGOs and other social agents.
This document incorporates fundamental principles such as equal treatment, non-discrimination and the fight against LGBTIphobic violence. In addition, it places special emphasis on awareness campaigns, specific training and actions to improve coexistence and visibility of the group in all areas.
The trans strategy: focus on inclusion and social justice
For its part, the State Strategy for the social inclusion of trans people is the first that is specifically aimed at this group. Its objective is clear: eliminate the barriers that prevent trans people from living with dignity, freedom and security.
The plan includes concrete measures in key areas such as access to employment, health, education and housing. It also contemplates affirmative actions and analysis of the real situation of the group, in order to design policies based on data and realities, not only on good intentions.
A collective construction
Both strategies are the result of a participatory process in which more than 160 people representing ministries, autonomous communities, municipalities, unions, universities and civil society organizations have participated. The diversity of voices has been one of the keys to providing legitimacy and depth to these documents.
Coordination between administrations will be essential, but so will the involvement of society as a whole. The commitment to diversity cannot be left solely in the hands of the State.
Is all progress positive?
Although this is a relevant step, there are also those who warn about the risks of turning strategies into simple statements without a sufficient budget or real evaluation mechanisms. Some critical voices warn of the possibility that these measures are used more as symbolic tools than as instruments of profound change. Furthermore, the question remains as to how these promises will be translated into realities, especially in communities where resistance to LGTBIQ+ rights remains strong. Will the strategies be sufficient if they are not accompanied by strong political will and sustainable resources?
What is left for us to do?
Institutional recognition is an important step, but not the only one. The question remains open: how do we ensure that these strategies do not remain just on paper? Time, social pressure and the active surveillance of citizens will be key for commitment to become transformation.
