This Sunday, November 9, Madrid is preparing for an emotional tribute to Cristina Ortiz Rodríguez, known to everyone as La Veneno. At 12:00 p.m., next to the plaque in his memory in the Parque del Oeste, the ninth anniversary of his departure will be commemorated. An act promoted by Más Madrid LGTBIQ+ that seeks not only to remember, but also to vindicate the figure of a woman who, with her courage, opened paths in a Spain that still refused to look diversity in the face.
Beyond the Spectacle: The Struggle of a Pioneer
“La Veneno was not only a television icon: she was a brave woman who dared to be visible when being visible was a risk. Her story, with lights and shadows, is also the story of many trans people who fought—and continue to fight—to live in freedom and with dignity”, highlights from Más Madrid LGTBIQ+.
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What would Spain have been like without his emergence, without his impudence and his truth? His legacy invites us to reflect on the importance of representation and visibility in building a more just society.
Justice and Memory: A Pending Commitment
From Más Madrid LGTBIQ+ it is emphasized that keeping the memory of La Veneno alive is an act of historical justice. It is recognizing the path taken by trans people, especially those who were marginalized and persecuted. However, this tribute also becomes a platform for denunciation. The plaque in honor of Cristina Ortiz has been the subject of repeated acts of vandalism, and the Madrid City Council, under the government of José Luis Martínez-Almeida, has not taken the necessary measures for its repair and protection.
“Each attack against this plaque is an attempt to erase its memory and that of an entire group. We ask the Almeida City Council to comply with the proposal that we presented last year and that was approved: repair, clean and protect this LGTBIQ+ memory space”, the group adds.
The LGTBIQ+ community demands that the City Council fulfill its responsibility and protect this memory space.
A Legacy That Inspires Pride and Resistance
This Sunday’s event is open to all who wish to join this commemoration. It will be attended by activists and community representatives who see La Veneno as a key figure in the recent history of Madrid: a brave, free and ahead of her time woman. His memory remains a beacon of pride and resistance, reminding us that the fight for equality is a continuous journey.
