Local Perspectives on QLGBTI Advocacy in Olot

Robert Mizzi and Lotte Hiller | Meeting with Alliberem-nos | February 11, 2020

Tuesday, 11 February 2020 , Olot

Local Perspectives on QLGBTI Advocacy in Olot

Local Perspectives on QLGBTI Advocacy in Olot

To bridge the projects of the Faber residents with the experiences of local QLGBTI advocates in Olot, Robert Mizzi and Lotte Hiller invited members of the local collective “Alliberem-nos” to meet with them and the other residents. They discussed with the Faber residents about challenges, successes, and potential collaborations in respects to sexual and gender diversity in the region. In a relaxed atmosphere with tea and Canadian cookies, they shared personal stories about their experiences with discrimination but also support from their families, community members, and local politicians. One main topic was the role of visibility and safety for QLGBTI activism. A rainbow-colored crossing, bench, or roundabout, for example, are good starts to garner visibility in smaller towns. However, questions remain of such an approach: Does that provide a safe environment for QLGBTI individuals? Or do visible safer spaces stigmatize further members of the QLGBTI community?  Is there a universal way to provide safety? Or is it a question of empowerment and resilience of the individual? In the end, the meeting showed that various initiatives and questions are complex and need continuous international and intergenerational exchange of ideas. We must keep active and engaged in the issues.

This website only uses session cookies for technical and analytical purposes. It does not compile or assign users’ personal data without their consent. This website does, however, use third-party cookies for statistical purposes. You can obtain further information or manage or reject cookies by clicking on "+ Info".