Anticipation was in the air at Madrid's Espacio Larra as everyone awaited the arrival of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. The 35th annual Triángulo Awards, organized by Madrid's LGTBI+ group Cogam, took place on Friday evening. Zapatero, the former socialist president under whose leadership the equal marriage law was passed two decades ago, was set to receive the main accolade, the Pink Triangle. However, due to scheduling conflicts, he was unable to attend.

"Reflecting twenty years later, we recall with emotion and intensity the prolonged struggle to achieve equal marriage, to feel free, dignified, and happy," Zapatero expressed through a video message. He emphasized, "If love cannot be freely acknowledged, life remains confined." He took the opportunity to honor Pedro Zerolo, congratulate Cogam, and other organizations that made the parliamentary approval of the equal marriage law possible. "It transformed Spain, making us more decent," Zapatero added, urging continued efforts to preserve the spirit of freedom amidst the rise of extreme right ideologies.

The other honorees, including Inés Hernand, Carla Flila, Oliver Marcos (from Cesida), La Negri, and representatives from Alas A Coruña, were present at the event. Ronny de la Cruz, president of Cogam, who opened the ceremony, remarked, "In a climate where hate-filled rhetoric is resurging and rights we believed to be secure are under scrutiny, recognizing those who firmly stand for equality, diversity, and social justice is more crucial than ever."

De la Cruz's comments resonate with situations in the United States, where the Trump administration has launched attacks on the LGTBI+ community, particularly targeting transgender individuals. Similar threats are evident in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's ultra-conservative government has passed legislation potentially banning Pride events in Budapest.

In Spain, the "State of Hate 2025" report by 40dB for the Federación Estatal LGTBI+ reveals that 42.5% of LGTBI+ individuals have faced hate-based incidents. Additionally, attempts to diminish rights by regional governments, like those of Valencia and Madrid, controlled by the Popular Party, continue to pose challenges.

Cristina Cifuentes, former president of the Community of Madrid under the PP, whose leadership saw the approval of LGTBI+ rights legislation, stated before entering the event, "Once rights are advanced, regressing is more difficult." She expressed confidence that current regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso would not revoke these laws, perhaps only making technical adjustments for improvement, but not reversing rights. "Especially since she voted in favor of them. It would be nonsensical," Cifuentes remarked.

The awards ceremony, hosted by journalist and activist Daniel Valero (known as Tigrillo) and actress, producer, and activist Alma Gormedino, also included recognition for those promoting LGTBI-phobia or curtailing rights. Last year, the "Pink Brick" went to Díaz Ayuso, with the Federación Estatal LGTBI+ criticizing her for "promoting rights cuts." This year’s dishonor was awarded to Judge Carlos del Valle for his homophobic remarks.

During a trial involving comedian Quequé, who joked about "blowing up the Valle de los Caídos," del Valle made a homophobic analogy: "Imagine if someone said, even in humor, 'Let's blow up Pedro Zerolo Square [a reference point for LGTBIQ+ activism in Madrid's Chueca neighborhood] and on Pride Day, throw stones at everyone there, homosexuals who have abused children. Meaning all homosexuals.' How would you feel in that situation? Even in humor, could it be seen as not misleading or offensive?" This scene played during the event.

The gala also celebrated the contributions of Mario Campano and Sonia González, "historic activists," awarding them the Flags of Militancy. "The Triángulo Awards allow us to highlight the commitment, visibility, and courage of those who decisively advance the rights and dignity of the LGTBI+ community," emphasized Cogam's president.

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