Madrid and San Francisco, Gateways for Diversity and Inclusion

Today Madrid opens its doors to Madrid Orgullo-Madrid Pride, which has been for years the largest urban event celebrated in Europe, bringing about two million people together in the main streets and squares of the city.
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Today Madrid opens its doors to Madrid Orgullo-Madrid Pride, which has been for years the largest urban event celebrated in Europe, bringing about two million people together in the main streets and squares of the city. The performances mostly take place in Plaza de Chueca, a symbol of freedom and LGBT rights that offers concerts and other activities for all kind of audiences.

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June 26th 2015, historical date for the LGBT community and the US Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage as part of the US Constitution's rights.

In parallel, last week San Francisco celebrated its 45th Annual Pride parade in its famous Castro District, which we got to know through Sean Penn's eyes in Milk, biographical movie based on the life of gay rights activist and politician Harvey Bernard Milk (1930-1978), who was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

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View of Castro District

As a framework around these two events, big celebrations for the LGBT movement and a turning point in history for the whole world has been the recent US Supreme Court landmark ruling that the Constitution guarantees the right to same-sex marriage in all 50 US States.

Both Madrid and San Francisco move people from all over the world to celebrate Love ( with Capital letter) by accepting diversities and by giving this event a wide multi ethnic, multicultural character "Equality without exception", states the SF theme for this year's parade. Thousands of facebook rainbow striped profile pictures and tweets #Lovewins #same-sex marriage #equality unravel the transformational change in modern history and our societies.

I believe that Love has no boundaries, it is gender-blind per sé and it is about feelings, good vibes and connections. LGBT parades and events should be promoted and developed in every city, to raise awareness and peaceful coexistence among the population. Moreover, it presents a variety of economic and social benefits, related to increased tourism activities and expanding respect and people' understanding.

The multicolorful flag of the LGBT community represents us and the human unity among our immense diversities. If we peacefully coexist in the world, we can share knowledge and bolster progress. As simple as that.

I invite you to Madrid to experience your first pride, either as observers, or as engaged and active protagonists of the parade, and enjoy a respectful, joyful and free society, where everyone is able to express himself/herself in his/her own way, creating a more equal, empathetic and free world. Here the website of Visit Chueca and the SF Gate with culture and sights of the Castro District

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Eurovision winner 2014 Conchita Wurst opened the celebrations of Madrid Orgullo (MADO) 2014

Hasta pronto y felices fiestas!
@GaiaParadiso

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