Spain's new 'transgender' law breaks new ground on LGBTIQ+ rights

A new national law for "real and effective equality for trans people" came into force in Spain on 2 March 2023, allowing a person to change their gender identity in the civil register without undergoing a two-year hormonal treatment or obtaining a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria, as required by previous legislation.

Euronews reporters Valerie Gauriat and Davide Rafaelle Lobina travelled to Madrid to hear the testimonies of those who are affected by the law.

Ezekiel is a 23-year-old sports coach whose dream is to become a firefighter. But behind his athletic figure lie years of inner struggle, as Ezekiel was born a woman. 

He started his physical transformation after years of feeling like he didn’t belong in his own skin. 

"I looked in the mirror and thought to myself that I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to talk to people about it, to be recognized for who I was, and that I had to start my transition to feel comfortable with myself".

Ezekiel started hormone therayy two and a half years ago, and underwent mastectomy.

“It's a big change. It’s like jumping into the void, hoping there is some water below,” Ezekiel told Euronews. "It is a very difficult process. It is not a decision you take lightly."

Thanks to the new law, Ezekiel is glad that he will be officially recognised as a man. Spain is one of the few European countries that allow citizens to determine their official gender through a simple administrative declaration. 

We followed Ezekiel to the Madrid Civil Register Office, where he submitted his gender change request; he will have a new identity card in three months, aftger ratifying his demand.

"I'm happier than ever!", he exclaimed, coming out of the Register office."This will make a lot of things easier. I