Olot, Girona, observed the International Day Against LGTBI-Phobia on 17 May 2026, drawing attention to the violence and discrimination faced by LGTBI+ individuals globally. The date commemorates the World Health Organisation's 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses.
To mark the occasion, a manifesto was read on 15 May in front of the Garrotxa Social Action Consortium (CASG). The local Integral Care Service (SAI Garrotxa) supports a shared community responsibility to recognise, guarantee, and make effective the rights of LGTBIQ+ people.
The SAI is a service for all residents, particularly those who have experienced, are experiencing, or are likely to experience discrimination due to LGTBI-phobia. It offers information, support for identity or sexual orientation processes, assistance with discrimination cases, and help with documentation changes.
SAI Garrotxa's Support Efforts
In 2025, the SAI assisted 74 people. Most of these, 62%, were individuals or families seeking information or support for identity processes, sexual orientation, discrimination, or document changes. The remaining cases involved professionals requesting advice or coordination for specific situations.
The service has seen a notable focus on supporting trans and non-binary individuals, especially young trans people with limited or complex family support. There has also been a considerable increase in the diversity of origins among those receiving assistance.
Families continue to approach the service with enquiries about their children's non-normative gender expressions, a trend observed in previous years. The SAI provided socio-emotional support to 22 people during 2025.
New Educational Resources
A new development in 2025 was the creation of a ten-point guide for educational centres. This guide addresses common questions from teachers and schools with trans students. These questions typically concern how to support trans students, create safe environments, and follow guidelines for inclusive language and facility use.
SAI appointments are by arrangement and require prior booking. Residents can schedule a meeting in person at the Garrotxa Social Action Consortium, located at Plaça Palau, 8, Olot. Alternatively, appointments can be made by calling 972266644 or 679698447, or by emailing [email protected].
