Madrid awash with rainbow flags for gay pride parade

Huge gay pride events in London and Cologne dominated the headlines this weekend, but Madrid's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights celebration also saw a huge turnout. The slogan for this year's march was "History, struggle and memory" recognizing a decadeslong fight against homophobia and equality. Spain only decriminalized homosexuality in 1978.

Saturday's very public gay party contrasted with the era of Francisco Franco, Spain's 20th-century dictator, when the LGBT community was forced to meet in secret. Echoes of that period resurfaced when the right-wing Vox party, which made gains in Spain's general election in April, called for Madrid Pride to move from the capital to a more hidden place.

Since its return to democracy in 1975, Spain has developed into one of the most LGBT-tolerant countries in the world. In 2005, it became only the third nation to legalize same-sex marriage. But while the idea was supported by the majority of Spanish people, some conservative groups in the Catholic country continue to see gay rights as a threat to family values.

Some gay pride activists protested against the use of gay conversion therapy, which often includes hormonal treatments and aversive techniques designed to change sexual orientation. Such practices have been rejected by mainstream medical and mental health professionals, but continue to be offered. One Madrid Pride protester held a sign that read: "No cure necessary for love, only for hatred."

One activist created a very personalized body banner to promote transgender rights. Spain introduced the right to change one's gender in 2007, which over the subsequent decade prompted 2,225 Spaniards to change their sex. But some LGBT rights groups say the law is still too restrictive, and that requiring a mandatory diagnosis of gender dysphoria before proceeding is superfluous.

As if the LGBT community hasn't suffered enough, dozens of men and a few women raced through the Chueca gay neighborhood in heels at least 10 centimeters (4 inches) high. In return for several minutes of agony, the winner received €350 ($390). Thursday's high-heel race was one of the most eagerly awaited parts of Madrid's annual LGBT festival.