- Almost 83% of the respondents in a study by the University of Oviedo believe that prejudice and discrimination against the LGTBIAQ+ community have increased.
- The participants point to the hate speech of politicians and public figures as the cause.
- There are more reports, but the fear of reporting is still there. The Principality announces steps in its LGTBI law for October.
LGTBI prejudice in Asturias is growing, according to those who experience it. A study by the University of Oviedo presented on September 26, 2026, concludes that almost 83% of respondents perceive more prejudice and discrimination against the LGTBIAQ+ community. They relate this increase to the hate speech of political leaders and public figures.
What does the study from the University of Oviedo say?
The study from the University of Oviedo concludes that almost 83% of respondents perceive that prejudice and discrimination against the LGTBIAQ+ community have increased. This is reported by RTPA. The data was highlighted by Laura Vera, a technician from the anti-LGTBIfobia attention service of the Principality.
Participants also attribute this worsening to the negative discourse of politicians and public figures. In other words, they directly relate what is said in the public sphere to what they experience in their daily lives.
Why is there still fear of reporting?
The study detects a contradiction: reports of LGTBIfobia have increased, but the fear of reporting persists. More cases are becoming known, but many people still do not dare to take the step.
For África Preus, coordinator of XEGA (LGTBI collective of Asturias), the key is awareness. From the entity, they consider it necessary to explain why it is important to report and to do so without fear, so that assaults and discrimination do not remain invisible.
The Principality’s response: the Asturian LGTBI law
Deputy Minister for Citizen Rights, Beatriz González, participated in the presentation and stated that “Asturias will not take a step back against those who seek to impose an exclusionary social model.”
The Asturian government places the next step of its LGTBI law in October. According to RTPA, the law will serve to ensure that members of the community receive better attention when they need healthcare or police assistance and will strengthen the prevention of suicidal behavior.
The law has a long history behind it. The Governing Council approved the draft law on March 9, 2026 for the Principality of Asturias for the eradication of discrimination and for the real and effective equality of rights for LGTBI people and their families. In May, there were appearances in the General Board, according to El Salto, and the collectives hope it will be approved before the 2027 elections.
A diagnosis that coincides with state data
What the Asturian study indicates coincides with other recent reports. The report “State of Hate 2026” from FELGTBI+ concludes that the perception of hate among the LGTBI+ population has risen by 13 points in two years. In its chapter on biphobia, it adds that one in five bisexual people has been assaulted in the last year.
The message is repeated across different sources: the community perceives more hostility and relates it to the discourses circulating in politics and the media.
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Frequently asked questions
What percentage perceives more LGTBI prejudice in Asturias?
Almost 83% of respondents in the study from the University of Oviedo.
What is attributed to the increase?
Respondents relate it to the hate speech of politicians and public figures.
Have reports of LGTBIfobia increased in Asturias?
Yes, according to the study they have increased, although the fear of reporting persists.
What will the Principality do?
It places the next step of its LGTBI law in October, which aims to improve healthcare and police attention and strengthen suicide prevention.
