After more than 20 years of service to the LGBT community in Madrid and leading the way to bring World Pride to Madrid in 2017, Juan Carlos Alonso has been awarded the 2017 Mr. Gay World Eric Butter Philanthropy Award.
Awarded to an individual that possesses extraordinary selflessness to the greater community in moving diversity acceptance forward.
The local Spanish Mr. Gay World organisers nominated Alonso, who is the General Coordinator for World Pride 2017, to win the award for his extraordinary efforts of running Madrid Pride for so many years and determination to win World Pride and see it come to fruition in June this year.
In his acceptance speech, Alonso spoke of how much Madrid Pride has not only helped him but changed the way of life for the LGBT community in Spain.
“20 years ago I started working on Madrid Pride and it changed my life,” said Alonso.
“During all this time I’ve met a world full of many people. Working for this long time on Madrid Pride has made it possible to fulfill history.
“Madrid Pride changed my life, and changed our lives, changed our neighbourhood, our city, and our country.
“It has made our city and our country into a better place full of freedom, equality, celebration.”
Mr. Gay World President Eric Butter presented the award in front of a packed audience at the Hard Rock Cafe in Madrid on Saturday night.
Mr. Butter clearly explained the award was given to someone that is a leader who inspires people around them to do their very best, and LGBT hero and someone who has a vision for change and manages to carry out that vision.
Speaking about the upcoming World Pride to be held in Madrid from June 23 to July 6, Alonso said he wants everyone around the world to share in the Madrid spirit.
“We know that the international LGBT community will be in Madrid and we are not going to let you down.
“The soul of Madrid is the soul of World Pride Madrid 2017. We have worked very hard and for a long time to get here but we can assure you that we are prepared.
“This is our project, our city, our world and of course Mr. Gay World is a big part of this.
“We want you to be part of this, World Pride and Mr. Gay World because some dreams are dreams that come true.”
Last Updated on May 8, 2017
The news team for Gay Nation love tips from our readers. Got tips or a news story that you would like published? Go here to tell us something.
Visit the Gay Nation store Now