Local government policies on sexual and gender diversity in Spain. Experiences from Alt Empordà

Abstract

In recent years, local government administrations in Spain have strengthened their commitment to putting into effect policies that favour the well-being of LGBTQ+ people. This has happened not only in large cities, but in small rural municipalities as well. Based on the discourses, representations and practices of professionals in health and social services, this article is organised around two interrelated axes of analysis. First, we assess the extent of knowledge regarding public policies among professionals and LGBTQ+ people. And second, we examine the rural area as a specific setting for the application of LGBTQ+ policies. This leads us to the conclusion that such legal changes are important but not sufficient in themselves to ensure the well-being of LGBTQ+ people. Moreover, LGBTQ+ policies need to consider local contexts and avoid transferring the rationale of the big city into rural environments