Andalucía calls for the 2026 LGBTPhobia-Free Space recognition

The Regional Ministry of Social Services, Families and Equality of the Junta de Andalucía has regulated and announced the 2026 edition of the “LGTBIfobia-free Space” recognition, aimed at public and private entities and institutions with their headquarters or main activity in Andalusia. The call is formalized through the Order of September 22, 2026, published in the Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía (BOJA) number 188, of September 28, 2026, within section 1. General Provisions (text no. 12468, reference 00343698). The deadline for submitting applications is one month starting from the day following publication, therefore remaining open until October 28, 2026.

The regulation is issued under article 46.4 of Law 6/2006, of October 24, of the Government of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, and article 1.n) of Decree 196/2026, of July 30, which establishes the organic structure of the Regional Ministry of Social Services, Families and Equality. Competencies regarding diversity are exercised through the General Directorate of Volunteering and Diversity, in accordance with article 14.2 of said decree. The reference framework is Law 8/2017, of December 28, to guarantee the rights, equal treatment, and non-discrimination of LGTBI people and their families in Andalusia.

The recognition is symbolic in nature and seeks to provide visibility to Andalusian environments that function as spaces of peace for LGTBI people, in addition to generating a multiplier effect on citizen awareness against LGTBIfobia. The statement of motives cites the 2025 Report on the evolution of hate crimes in Spain from the Ministry of the Interior, which records 2,417 known incidents in Spain, 23.63% more than in 2024; those committed based on sexual orientation and gender identity, with 571 cases, are the second most numerous. In Andalusia, criminal offenses and incidents for this cause decreased from 78 in 2024 to 75 in 2025.

Background: 66 and 69 recognitions in the first two editions

The Regional Ministry held the first call through the Order of July 4, 2024 (BOJA no. 133, of July 10), in which 66 recognitions were granted. The second came with the Order of May 21, 2025 (BOJA no. 133, of July 10), with 69 recognitions granted. The interest expressed once again by the participating entities justifies, according to the text, the approval of a third call.

Requirements and documentation for candidacies

Entities and institutions, public or private, that meet the following may apply for the recognition:

• Expressly include activities promoting the rights of equality and non-discrimination of LGBTI people within its purpose.
• Adopt organizational or technical measures to ensure that its cultural, recreational, leisure, and free-time activities are enjoyed under conditions of equality and respect, avoiding prejudice, harassment, and physical or psychological violence.
• In the case of public entities, certify that in the three previous budget years, expenditure credits were allocated to actions regarding diversity.

The application is submitted by the legal representative of the entity, using the mandatory model annexed to the order, and is accompanied by the NIF (Tax Identification Number), proof of representation, a responsible declaration, two descriptive reports (actions on equality and organizational measures), proof of headquarters in Andalusia, and any other relevant documentation. Submission is electronic, through the Single Electronic Registry of the Junta de Andalucía, using procedure code 25540 of the Catalog of Procedures and Services. Deficiencies must be corrected within ten days, extendable by up to five more.

Evaluation and Granting Commission

The assessment is carried out by an Evaluation Commission chaired by the General Secretariat for Families, Equality, and Gender Violence, with the General Directorate for Volunteering and Diversity as vice-chair. The body is completed by the General Secretariat for Social Services, the General Directorate for Childhood and Adolescence, and the Andalusian Women’s Institute as members, in addition to a secretariat with a voice but no vote. A gender expert may be incorporated, also without a vote, and the commission may declare the recognition void through a reasoned decision.

The grant is formalized by order of the head of the Department, upon the commission’s proposal, and is published in the BOJA (Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía) and on the Department’s website. The recognition consists of an object with the distinctive logo approved by the Resolution of August 6, 2024, of the General Secretariat for Families, Equality, Gender Violence, and Diversity, which entities may use in their promotion and dissemination actions.

The call continues a consolidated regional policy and offers LGBTI associations, city councils, and diversity collectives a public seal to certify their work against discrimination. The order takes effect from the day following its publication in the BOJA.

Source: Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía, no. 188, of September 28, 2026, section 1. General provisions, page 12468/1 (official reference: 00343698).