Spain's Ministry of Equality honours Dolores Vázquez in Madrid for Lesbian Visibility Day

"I remember it as a nightmare. Although it was 20 years ago, it comes back to me every day", said Vázquez. She added that, at the time, all she could think of was that this couldn't be happening, to her, it wasn't real. "They didn't tell me anything, they just assumed I was the murderer. I had no voice, no say, nothing. I believed in justice, but that day I stopped believing in it forever."

Despite the complete absence of evidence, a jury convicted Dolores in 2001. After the verdict was read out, those present in the courtroom burst into thunderous and spontaneous applause, including some of the journalists covering the case. That was the end of an ordeal in which her sexual orientation and an allegedly vindictive character served as the sole (but effective) tools for her conviction.

Now, more than 25 years later, it is the Spanish government of today that is recognising her as a leading figure in the LGTBQ+ community. The event, to be held on 27 April, will include a panel discussion focused on lesbophobia, bringing together prominent voices from activism, politics and academia.

Participants will include Paula Iglesias (president of FELGTB+), Beatriz Gimeno (renowned LGTBQ+ activist) and Marta Redondo (a professor at the University of Valladolid) in a conversation moderated by Eva Pérez Nanclares of the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian Community. The event will also feature a musical performance by Rocío Saiz.

The official ceremony will continue with the presentation to Dolores of the medal for promoting values of equality, in recognition of Vázquez's career. The ceremony will be presided over by the Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo. The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, will also speak at the event.