Exhibition: 'We Were Afraid but Had to Step Out'

As we mark the 50th anniversary of dictator Francisco Franco's death and the subsequent arrival of democracy in Spain, the exhibition 'We Were Afraid but Had to Step Out' highlights the ongoing struggle for rights and freedoms by LGBTQ+ activists in Spain. This poignant project began in 2022, driven by photographer Aitor Fernández and journalist Verónica Taranilla from the nonprofit Organization DateCuenta. The exhibition chronicles the history of LGBTQ+ activism in key cities like Barcelona, Andalusia, and Madrid. Through a collection of portraits and personal testimonies from activists, along with archival photographs and historical documents, the exhibition showcases the evolution of this vital fight. It covers the early battles led by gay activists, the emergence of lesbian and transgender groups, and culminates in the advocacy for marriage equality. This exhibition not only pays homage to the past but also addresses current challenges to LGBTQ+ rights, serving as a reminder of the