The Federación Estatal LGTBI+ has awarded the Plumas y Látigos prizes in Madrid, highlighting culture as a refuge and space of resistance for the community. Rodrigo Cuevas, Uge Sangil, and Pitu Aparicio are among the honorees at a gala hosted by Samantha Hudson and David Andújar. The event gathered over 300 personalities to spotlight rights and fight discrimination.
At Madrid's Teatro Eslava, the Federación Estatal LGTBI+ held a new edition of the Plumas y Látigos Awards this Friday, emphasizing the role of LGTBI+ culture in visibility and rights advocacy. Paula Iglesias, Felgtbi+ president, explained that “culture naturalizes our realities, allows us to occupy spaces and generate references”, describing it as “a refuge and a space of resistance”.
Rodrigo Cuevas accepted his Pluma award with excitement: “It is a recognition from the collective's people, your people, those who are with you. It makes me very happy”. Alongside him, honorees included activist Uge Sangil, who led Felgtbi+ from 2018 to 2024 and highlighted the trans law's approval during her tenure; educator Pitu Aparicio, who promotes comprehensive sexual education workshops; artist Estrella Xtravaganza; and organization Plena Inclusión. Special mentions went to Regularización Ya and Grup d’Amics Gais, Lesbianes, Transsexuals i Bisexuals (G.A.G.).
Sangil criticized the Partido Popular's push to repeal the trans law (4/2023), following a recent meeting with women's associations: “But let those women's associations not be fooled. They must understand that the PP, to gain power, will align with Vox, which denies macho violence that assaults and kills us”. Aparicio stressed sexual education's importance: “Comprehensive sexual education has harmed no one, but silence oppresses and has been castrating many families for 50 years”.
Estrella Xtravaganza reflected: “A while ago I wanted to hide my flamboyance, but how fortunate I am not to have silenced it”. Edith Espínola from Regularización Ya linked the award to “migrant and anti-racist struggle” against colonialism and patriarchy.
This year, the Látigo award, previously given to discriminators like Isabel Díaz Ayuso, was discontinued. Pupi Poisson listed lgtbiphobia cases, such as magistrate Francisco Javier Borrego or neo-Nazis in Torrepacheco, and demanded “stop genocide in Gaza”. Iglesias ended with a rallying cry: “We are angry, but we won't give them the satisfaction. We demand dignified lives... with pride, joy, laughter, and hope”. The gala, called “a coven of diversity and flamboyance”, featured attendees like Carla Antonelli and Julio del Valle.