"Out of the Closets and into the Streets”

"Out of the Closets and into the Streets”
Europride 2007, Madrid

I had the greatest opportunity to travel around Spain, and I also had the chance to attend Europride, one of the largest and most extravagant gay pride celebrations in the world. As a young gay male, this experience was a once-in-a-life time opportunity that showed me that the world is changing and beginning to accept people for who they really are.



The festivities were held in Chueca, a gay neighborhood in Madrid. Opening night was on Thursday, June 28, 2007, and Chueca was “the” place to be. That night, I took the metro, the local subway system, from Principe Pio, my hotel’s location, to Chueca. As I walked up from the metro, it was almost impossible to get to street level. The streets were filled from wall to wall with people drinking, dancing and having a good time. My gang and I walked further into the crowd where a huge stage was set up. We saw the most lavish drag queens and the hottest guys we had ever seen in our lives. The music was almost hypnotizing, with a techno beat repeating over and over.

While walking around, we bumped into a news crew from Chueca TV, who was interviewing a woman on the street. A young lady who worked for the news station came up to us and asked us where we were from. We told her we were from Texas and I asked her, “When’s the parade and what time did it start?” The parade was the only thing that had been on my mind for three days. The young lady said that it was on Saturday, and that today was the opening ceremonies.
Being gay in Spain hasn’t always been accepted. In fact, being gay was quite difficult until recently. Spain’s government passed gay marriage and gay adoption laws on June 30, 2005. As I compare the gay population of the United States to Spain, I found that being gay in Spain is more accepted than it is in the United States. Everyone seems so much happier and more comfortable about their sexuality, Spaniards don’t seem to mind people being who they truly are and loving who they want to love.

Before I knew it, Saturday had arrived, and the parade was about to begin. Little did I know that this was going to be one of the best days of my life. I finally arrived on Gran Via, the street where the parade was to take place, and just as I expected, a sea of half-naked people greeted me. The men were all shirtless with some of the most amazing bodies I’ve ever seen. The popular rainbow gay flag was in every place that the eye could see, and beautiful drag queens posed for pictures as if they were part of Hollywood’s elite.
The day was very hot. The asphalt below our feet did nothing to help cool us off. The rest of the gang couldn’t take the heat, but I wasn’t going to miss this parade for anything. After my friend left, I continued to walk toward the beginning of the parade. With my camera in one hand and a bottle of water in the other, I found myself in the middle of the 2007 Europride Parade. I was surprised how easy it was to get in on the action. For the first time, I felt like a reporter getting the inside scoop. The beginning of the parade featured many gay and lesbian groups who were marching for a cause. Many were chanting and waving the rainbow flag. As I got deeper in the parade, the crowd got more intense, and elaborate costumes kept getting better and better. Of course, so did the men. Back in San Antonio, we have floats during our parades, but in Madrid they have18-wheelers filled with some of the most beautiful people in the world. The costumes were all very colorful, covered with glitter, feathers and were extremely glamorous. The parade trucks were sponsored by gay organizations, gay websites, gay porn companies and, condom companies. Each sponsor handed out free gifts with the company’s name on it. I received t-shirts, hats whistles, and, yes, condoms.
All in all, the Europride parade was by far one of the best events I could have ever experienced. This celebration of diversity has made me accept myself even more, and has made me realize that I share the same problems and the same ideas with people from all over the world. Over 2 million people attended, gays and non-gays, and I’m proud to say that I was one of them. Next year, Europride 2008 will be held in Burgos and I can’t wait until then, because I will for sure be there!
The people of Spain are truly diverse and know how to have a great time. My entire tour of Spain has opened my eyes and has made me appreciate my life and my country more than ever. I have met people from all over the world and seen places that many people will never get to see. For this, I’m grateful and give thanks to all who made it possible.

Day 15: Back Home! Dear Classmates,

After a long flight and two airports later I have finally arrived in my beautiful of city of San Antonio, Texas. I've never been so fond of my city since I arrived in Spain, don’t get me wrong, Spain is a beautiful country however, there’s no place like home. This trip has been an amazing experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Spain indeed opened my eyes to the rest of the world but at the same time made me appreciate my home and life back in the United States.

To my peers who also had this great opportunity,

It's been my pleasure and an honor to have shared this experience with you. We were forced to bond so quickly for we were all we had. I know we all had are ups and downs and didn’t always get along with each other but life isn’t always perfect. You were all such good friends to me and I will remember you all forever. Good luck in the future and may God bless you all always. Thanks for the Memories.

Love, Gerardo

Day 14: Madrid and Moors Influence in Spain

I'm back in Spain and ready to finish off the rest of my tour. I feel as if I already know this city since I was here the first two days of my trip.

On the bus ride from Seville to Madrid I have to chance to realize how much of an impact the Moors had on Spain. The Moorish culture brought some amazing art work and most of all the architecture of their buildings. The Cathedral in Cordoba was an excellent example of the Moorish culture. This Cathedral is now owned by the Christians who defeated the Moors in the conquest of Spain. Inside this marvelous structure are beautiful arched columns which are painted red and white with high ceilings.

While I was in Granada we also saw some Moorish influence at the Alhambra. This palace had beautiful gardens and the most exquisite tile work I have ever seen. The Moors seemed to be very smart peaceful people with great ideas and who were always ahead of there times.

Madrid!! Glad to be back! I can't believe our tour in winding down. I'm so ready to take this town by its horns and have the time of my life. Today we arrived in Principe Pio (west Madrid) which is a great location to be in especially since its our last week. Euro Pride starts this weekend and it has been one thing I’ve been looking for the whole trip. I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Day 13: Costa del Sol ands the Beach

Wow! What an amazing city, and with a beautiful beach to top it off. Costa del Sol is by far one of the best places I’ve seen in my lifetime especially with its scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Today was awesome, we finally had free time which of course, I spent at the beach and boy was it hot! I was amazed how different the beach was compared to our beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. The sand was hot and got in every crevice on your body. The water was cold and gave you chills all the way down your spine. The rocks that lined the shore were jagged and covered in a thin layer of green algae. The beach as lined with hundreds on cabanas which were filled with people from all over the world. The sky was as blue and the hope diamond with not a cloud in site.

I laid on the beach for a good six hours trying to get a great tan however, my SPF 50 Banana Boat sun tan lotion totally ruined any chances of my dream tan. On the other hand, my peer Dave who was also out there with me and trying not to get a tan gat as red as a lobster. The heat was a good heat with a breeze always blowing in the air. The air was crisp with a scent coming from the restaurant behind us.

Day 12: Torremolinos / Salsa Dancing / Reconquest of Spain

Today, I´m in Torremolinos also know as Costa de Sol. We arrived here at around 5pm and the beached are stunning. Tomorrow, were finally going to have a free day which means we can sleep in and then go to the beach all day long! I´m hoping when I get back to San Antonio I will have a awesome tan.

Last night was great! I had the amazing chance to go Salsa Dancing in Spain, and boy was is a blast. My gang and I got all dressed up and headed out to this little but happening Salsa Bar down the street from our hotel. The first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful portraits that were painted all over the walls, the portraits were that of famous salsa artist such as Celia Cruz and Tito Puente. Last night was exactly what I needed, to let lose and have a good time.

The reconquest of Spain which lasted 800 years is a huge part of of Spain´s history. This reconquest involved the Christians and the Moors who both invaded Spain in order to take control of the country. The great popular hero of the chivalrous age of Spain, born at Burgos in 1040; died at Valencia in the year of 1099. He was then given the title of seid or cid by the Moors and that of a champion by his admiring countrymen.

Day 11: Barcelona continued - Antonio Gaudi

June 20, 2007: I wanted to write a little about one of the greatest artist of Spain, Antonio Gaudi. Gaudi produced the Sagrada Familia and Parque Guell which are both located in the Spanish city of Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia is an amazing gothic cathedral that has been under construction for over 100 years and still is 100 years away from being compleated. If I has to put this work of art in one word, then I would have to say…circus. The architecture of this enormous structure seems to go everywhere, with pillars, and intertwining arches of all sizes.

Gaudi also produced the Parque Guell, which sits high above Barcelona. This park is filled with beautiful landscape and gorgeous mosaics everywhere you look. The view from the top of the park is breathtaking. You can see a panoramic view of the enitre city.

After viewing both the Sagrada Familia and Parque Guell, I though to myself that Gaudi did not at all break the artistic traditions of Spain. In fact. I believe he added beauty and a sense of mystery to the city.

Day 10: Granada & The Holy Grail

Holy moley!! After a 7-hour bus ride, we finally made it to Granada. This city is known for its great night life and is as beautiful as I imagined. Since we just arrived, I haven't really got to explore the city. However, tomorrow we have a busy day cut out for us.

Yesterday in Valencia, I got the chance to see the Holy Grail, which was by far the most fulfilling thing I´ve done during my tour of Spain. I felt as if Jesus Christ was in the room as beautiful angelic music filled my ears. Valencia was a great city, but I only wish we had more time to explore it.

Today is Richard´s birthday and we're planning on going out to celebrate. The nightlife is great in Granada, and I will tell you all about it tomorrow.

I miss you all! love, Gerardo