Barcelona, June 12, 2026 – The history of lesbians in Barcelona will become a literary itinerary on June 26, 2026, with a route inspired by ‘Darrere les Persianes. Breu història de les lesbianes a Barcelona’ (Behind the Blinds. A Brief History of Lesbians in Barcelona), a graphic novel written by Isabel Franc and illustrated by Rosa Navarro. This work, published by the Barcelona City Council as part of the “Barcelona Memòria en Vinyetes” collection, offers a unique perspective on the city’s often-overlooked past.
A Journey Through Key Spaces of Lesbian Memory
The activity, guided by Maio Sarrasolsas, is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM at Plaça del Vuit de Març and will conclude at the LGTBI Centre. Participants are required to register in advance to join this insightful journey through the urban landscape.
The itinerary proposes a tour of squares, streets, bars, and bookstores that have served as meeting points, spaces of resistance, and places of advocacy for the lesbian community over recent decades. By exploring these locations, participants will gain an understanding of a part of Barcelona’s history that has frequently been excluded from official narratives.
‘Darrere les Persianes’: Unveiling a Hidden History
‘Darrere les Persianes’ is a seminal work that meticulously recovers the memory of lesbians in Barcelona, spanning from the Second Republic to the present day. Through the engaging medium of comic art, the volume brings to light pioneering figures such as Lucía Sánchez Saornil, Irene Polo, and Anna M. Martínez Sagi. It also delves into significant historical episodes, including the Francoist repression, the clandestine existence of the community, the activism during the Spanish Transition, and the advancements in rights achieved in recent decades.
Considered a reference work for its historical recovery efforts, ‘Darrere les Persianes’ champions experiences and trajectories that remained largely invisible for many years, providing a crucial contribution to the city’s collective memory.
Bringing History to Life in the Urban Territory
The literary route offers a unique opportunity to transpose this historical perspective onto the urban territory, allowing participants to discover the very spaces where networks of support, social interaction, and struggle were forged. To facilitate the experience, audioguides will be provided, and attendees are requested to bring their own wired headphones.
This initiative underscores Barcelona’s commitment to promoting diverse narratives and ensuring that all aspects of its rich history are acknowledged and celebrated. The route serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of the lesbian community to the city’s social and cultural fabric.
For more information and to register for this illuminating literary route, please visit the Barcelona Llibres website.
