Do you know what is most important for a city that prides itself on being open and diverse? The answer is simple: that your institutions reflect and support that reality. Pontevedra has just taken a firm step in that direction with the launch of the Information Center on Diversity and Sexuality (CIDES), a space that is already proving to be essential.
This new service, recently presented, is not just another information point, but a true pillar of support that seeks effective equality, respect and, above all, the visibility of sexual and gender diversity in the Galician city. In just a month and a half since its launch, CIDES has offered care to twenty people, a figure that underlines the need for this type of resources at the local level.
Specialized Care and a Multidisciplinary Team
CIDES is conceived as a specialized professional support and accompaniment service. It is designed to assist the members of the LGTBIQ+ collective, covering a wide spectrum of needs.
The human team behind this initiative is one of its great values. The Councilor for Equality, Anabel Gulías, was in charge of presenting the center, highlighting the local government’s commitment to “real equality.” But the heart of CIDES is its team of professionals:
- Mónica Novas: Legal-forensic psychologist and expert in gender equality.
- Nessrin El Hachlaf Bensaid: Lawyer specialized in the rights of migrants and hate crimes.
This multidisciplinary approach guarantees a comprehensive response, whether it is a question, the need for emotional support or a more complex situation, such as an incident or a hate crime.
Beyond the Incident: Personalized Support
As Councilor Gulías explained, the goal of CIDES is twofold. On the one hand, “deal with any incident in this field” to guarantee that the city is a respectful place for everyone. On the other hand, and no less important, offer “personalized treatment to anyone who feels bad, who has doubts…”.
This is crucial. Many times, invisibility or the lack of references in the environment can generate uncertainty or discomfort. That a municipal space recognizes and is dedicated to “validating any exception to our usual pattern” is a powerful and necessary message of institutional acceptance. Pontevedra proclaims itself, once again, as an “open and diverse city; a proud city that celebrates and vindicates diversity every day.”
Schedules, Location and Digital Connection
Currently, the service is in the implementation phase and shares its headquarters with the CIM (Women’s Information Center), located in José Martí Square. The initial service hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but the flexibility of offering appointments in the afternoons has been contemplated to adapt to the real needs of the applicants.
In addition to in-person attention, CIDES has made a strong commitment to the digital environment, a fundamental tool to reach a broad and young audience. The center has already launched its official website, www.cidespontevedra.com, and has opened communication channels on social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok. These spaces will serve to disseminate relevant information and act as a direct contact channel for potential users.
The opening of a service like CIDES, with such an immediate reception, leads us to a necessary reflection. Although caring for twenty people in a month and a half is a success, it also reminds us that the LGTBIQ+ community continues to face challenges that require specific support.
How can the existence of this center influence the perception and respect of diversity throughout the city in the long term?
What other steps should municipalities take so that legal equality translates into felt and real equality in the daily lives of all citizens?
This is a debate that as a society we must keep open and active.
