Punto Arcoíris
The Punto Arcoíris is a newly inaugurated LGBTQI+ community office located at the main square of Yumbo and Maspalomas area in Gran Canaria. This shared office, provided by the local town hall in collaboration with six non-profit associations, aims to offer resources, services, and support to the vibrant gay community living in, working in, or visiting this important destination. The official opening took place on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in an event organized in collaboration with LGTBIQ+ groups and the Ayuntamiento de San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town Council, marking a significant milestone for the LGBTQI+ community.
The office serves as a collaborative space where various non-profit organizations work together to provide services and information to the LGBTQI+ community. It aims to promote sexual health, offer legal and social-health support, and facilitate easy access to necessary services. The establishment of Punto Arcoíris highlights the importance of visibility, protection, and inclusivity for the LGBTQI+ community in Gran Canaria. This initiative represents a significant step forward in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for both residents and visitors, ensuring that Maspalomas is recognized as a welcoming and integrated destination for all.
ACES – Amigos contra el Sida
Today, ACES stands as the only association in the Canary Islands dedicated exclusively to supporting people living with HIV. Our team of specialized and well-trained professionals is committed to providing the highest quality of care in this field.
Our work encompasses comprehensive support for individuals with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones, as well as prevention, education, and information initiatives aimed at the entire population. We focus particularly on vulnerable groups, equipping them with the necessary tools to combat the virus and fostering a compassionate and informed society.
GLAY – Gay and Lesbian Associates of Yumbo
Founded in 2001, GLAY is a pioneering democratically constituted organization that unites a diverse array of institutions, government representatives, business owners, campaigners, activists, local residents, and international members from the LGBTQIA+ community.
As the founders and initiators of Maspalomas PRIDE Gran Canaria, our legacy remains influential and cherished. For over two decades, we have organized numerous events, including the GLAY Awards, remembrance ceremonies, and fundraising activities. We collaborate with various causes, such as ACES (Amigos Contra El Sida), with whom we share common goals.
Our mission is to promote community-positive attitudes, cooperation, and the dissemination of valuable information, regardless of orientation. Based in the Yumbo Centre in Playa del Inglés, we are dedicated to our work and passionate about our vibrant Gran Canaria community.
Chrysallis
Chrysallis Canarias focuses on equipping families with tools and support to transform their environments—whether educational, social, or healthcare-related—into safe and welcoming spaces. It also promotes awareness about gender diversity in schools and collaborates with professionals to educate and raise societal awareness about trans realities. Its activities include developing protocols, organizing workshops and visibility campaigns, and intervening in legal and educational areas to ensure the needs of trans children and adolescents are met.
checkpoint CANARIAS
Its main goals are to promote sexual health, ensure easy access to care and testing services, secure funding to support these objectives, and pursue additional related purposes. To achieve these goals, the association will conduct health promotion campaigns, outreach initiatives for high-risk groups like men who have sex with men (MSM), and apply best practices in sexual health care. It will collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as international entities, to share ideas and resources. The association will also seek funding from international agencies, governments, companies, and philanthropic organizations. Any benefits from these efforts will be used to support future initiatives aligned with the association’s mission.
OBSERVATORIO INAP LGTBIQ+
The association’s mission includes investigating incidents of hate and violence against the LGTBIQ+ community to promote inclusion and prevent discrimination. It also works to represent the community before public and private organizations, demanding their protection and defense. Additionally, it encourages cooperation among LGTBIQ+ associations and fosters communication with relevant entities.
Among its activities, the organization conducts research on medical measures and actions in favor of the LGTBIQ+ community, as well as promoting innovative services and products that improve their quality of life. Furthermore, the Observatorio proposes measures to national, European, and local institutions to facilitate and promote LGTBIQ+ culture in society.
The association organizes events, seminars, conferences, and informational sessions, while also developing audiovisual materials and publications to raise social awareness. These activities aim to create an inclusive environment where all individuals can live without fear of discrimination, fostering respect and equality.
In summary, the “Observatorio INAP LGTBIQ+” actively works to promote diversity and inclusion of the LGTBIQ+ community in all areas, ensuring a safe and equitable environment for everyone.
Freedom
In addition to its advocacy work, Freedom provides direct support through food bank donations, solidarity campaigns, and personalized legal assistance for LGTBIQ+ individuals in need, particularly in San Bartolomé de Tirajana. It also strives to create safe and accessible spaces where everyone can freely express themselves and receive the support they require.
Since 2016, Freedom Asociación LGBT has organized the iconic Maspalomas Pride, a globally celebrated event with over 20 years of history. This festival has transformed Maspalomas into a worldwide symbol of diversity and tolerance, attracting thousands of visitors from across Europe and beyond. Maspalomas Pride not only serves as a vibrant celebration but also as a powerful platform for visibility and empowerment within the LGTBIQ+ community.
Through its ongoing efforts, Freedom Asociación LGBT has become a vital pillar for the local community, tirelessly working toward a more equitable future where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can thrive and find opportunities to succeed.
