The COGAM LGBT association (The Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, and Bisexual Association of Madrid working for 20 years on our rights) publishes on this web section a selection of events & activities related to LGTB Pride week. 
 
We can inform you of the 2008 Gay Pride (in Spanish Gay Pride = "Orgullo Gay" de Madrid) dates which are as follows:

• Gay Parade / Demonstration: 5th July 2008, 18:00
• Pride week plenty of activities: 28th June to the 6th July 2008
• International LGTB culture festival (by COGAM) - Festival Visible: 10th June to the 31st July.

 
Our COGAM Internet volunteers team, will keep you inform on our COGAM non-profit site: http://orgullo.cogam.es  
 
Also, there is a FORUM section where you can post your ideas, your questions, your concerns, and wishes regarding the Gay Pride in Madrid. Feel free to register (email, and nick)... we hope the content increases soon with all people interested on the pride:http://www.cogam.org/en/foro  

FAQs

 
1. About the dates?

The Gay/LGTB Parade in Madrid is running on 5th July, 2008. 
 
From 28th June to 6th July, you can join the "Pride Week" in Madrid. Many events will be supported by COGAM, and other LGTB organizations of our Region. Keep your eye on this non-commercial site where we will publish any LGTB event as soon as we get the information 
 
From 10th June to 20th July, the "Festival Visible" (COGAM International LGTB Culture Festival) runs in Madrid and other surroundings cities. More info about the agenda soon.

 
2. Why are we celebrating in Madrid the Parade on the 5th July instead of the 28th June, as the Stonewall riots memorial day?

The date of the celebration is decided by all the LGTB spanish organizations which meets once a year. Last year they had decided to host the Madrid Gay Parade in Madrid (representing the National reivindication of LGTB rights), and the put the date as 5th July; therefore it’s a common agreement with all LGTB Spanish associations. 
 
However... you must be thinking... why not 28 June? the reason is that 28 June is reserved for the local and regional LGTB Pride Parades... the goal is to keep the main concentration on the small parades around the state. 
 
I can imagine that if you are coming from an American country, you will be surprised of this decision ;-) but in many European countries i.e. UK or Germany that it’s quite common to have different dates for local/regional and National demonstrations.

3. What if I want to bring my truck?

We put a limit on the number of trucks as 45 trucks / floats. And we prioritize LGTB organizations, LGTB or Gay friendly companies who participated other years.  
 
If you want to register your truck / float, please read this information in english (rules and registration process information).

4. How could I join a float during the parade?

We are frequently asked this question. 
 
COGAM and the FELGTB organization (which represent many regional groups) have no association with the trucks. We (COGAM and FELGTB) only organized the demonstration and the necessary volunteers who manage the parade (last year it attracted 1,5 millions people ). Also, we organize the final speeches, stage entertainment with an aim for a safe and proud demonstration. 
 
The trucks are run by other associations, or by gay friendly companies. They are responsible for their own truck and who rides on them 
 
In conclusion, we are unable to help you.

 
5. Who organizes the Gay/LGTB Pride 2008?

The organizations are: 

• COGAM (LGTB Association of Madrid), 
• FELGTB (Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual State Federation), 
• AEGAL (LGTB business network) 

 
Each organization names one contact person and they develop the 28J committee. The social stream is managed by COGAM and FELGTB. Concerts, Chueca parties, outside bars are organized by AEGAL. All this common work is named "MADO" and it represents the 3 groups.

 
6. Is the VISIBLE FESTIVAL part of the Pride Week?

Yes, the VISIBLE FESTIVAL is organized by COGAM (= International LGTB COGAM Cultural Festival) and it runs during the pride week.

 
7. When the Visible Festival begins? How long it takes?

The dates for the International LGTB Culture Festival organized by COGAM are: 10th June to 31st July.  It is call: "Festival Visible" 
 
More info soon on this web (http://www.cogam.org), and in the thematic website: 
 
http://www.festivalgayvisible.com

 
8. What is the 2008 leit-motiv / subject?

LGTB Pride March in Madrid - "Por la visibilidad 
lésbica". 
 
Acknowledgement of lesbian women’s struggle will be highlighted.

 
9. Which groups / bands are playing this year?

The final program is not finalised, please follow this site for keeping you informed.

 
10. Could I be a volunteer?

Yes, please, it’s great you raise such a question ;-) 
 
We are really looking for your support and your help this year, as some of you had supported us other years! 
 
Send us an email to: orgullo@cogam.org, and we will find a task that you could help us out with and get back to you.