The Violetas LGTBIQ+ association of La Palma has reported a vandalistic attack against the 'Orgulloneta', the municipal vehicle provided by the Tazacorte Town Hall, which suffered a broken mirror and the tearing down of the rainbow flag.
The Violetas LGTBIQ+ association of La Palma reported on Thursday a vandalistic act against the 'Orgulloneta', the municipal vehicle provided by the Tazacorte Town Hall that they use to promote the LGTBIQ+ Pride programming of La Palma. According to the group in a statement, during the night from Wednesday to Thursday, unknown individuals tore down the rainbow flag that adorned the vehicle and caused significant material damage, including breaking one of the mirrors.
“This is not just an attack on a vehicle. It is an attack on a symbol of diversity, freedom, and coexistence; against a campaign built with the effort of dozens of volunteers and against a Pride that represents an entire island,” emphasized Violetas LGTBIQ+ in their press release.
The events occur just days before the celebration of the LGTBIQ+ Pride of La Palma, scheduled for this Saturday, July 25, in Tazacorte. The march will begin at 18:00 in the Plaza del Morro of the municipality. “It is particularly concerning that these events occur just days before the celebration of the LGTBIQ+ Pride of La Palma, an event that advocates for the right of all people to live free, visible, and without fear,” added the group.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In past editions of Pride, graffiti appeared on the streets with insults and contempt towards the community along the march route. On this occasion, the group has already received strong support from the Cabildo of La Palma and the Tazacorte Town Hall, as well as from residents who do not feel represented by the authors of the vandalistic act.
“Those who believe that through hate, intimidation, or violence they will make us step back are profoundly mistaken. They will not silence us. They will not hide us. And, of course, they will not prevent us from filling the streets of Tazacorte with pride, diversity, and freedom this Saturday. Against hate, more Pride. Against fear, more Pride. And against those who seek to erase our symbols, we will respond by occupying public space with even more strength,” concluded Violetas LGTBIQ+.
The association has called on citizens to attend the march on Saturday and show their support for the LGTBIQ+ community. The Tazacorte Town Hall, for its part, has condemned the events and has offered to assist the group in repairing the damages and enhancing security at upcoming events.
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