Spain’s first openly LGBTQ+ matador hopes to inspire more to come out
Spain’s first openly LGBTQ+ matador, Mario Alcalde, is urging others in the bullfighting industry to embrace their true selves and form a supportive community. In a recent interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Alcalde announced that he identifies as pansexual, breaking boundaries in the conservative and traditional world of bullfighting.
Alcalde, who is 31 years old, stated, I follow my own rhythm. My tastes, both political and sexual, are not common in the bullfighting world. I’m pansexual. I identify strongly with the LGBTQ+ flag. Every person has their taste. I fall in love with the person inside, not their gender. As a pansexual, Alcalde is attracted to individuals regardless of their sex or gender identity.
Coming out was not a decision that Alcalde dwelled on for long. In an interview with BBC News, he revealed that it was a spontaneous move and came from the heart. Surprisingly, the public reaction has been largely positive, giving Alcalde’s profile an unexpected boost. He explained, I thought there was going to be a feeling against it, but people are accepting it and in the best way possible.
Now, Alcalde’s mission is to inspire other LGBTQ+ individuals within the bullfighting community to follow his lead. In a bid to establish an LGBTQ+ bullfighting community, he plans to set up a new bullfighting club in Madrid’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood, Chueca.
However, his efforts may face obstacles due to the controversy surrounding bullfighting as a sport. The blood sport, which typically ends with the death of the bull, is illegal in many parts of Spain and is often viewed as conservative and traditional. Alcalde acknowledged this, stating, Everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is anti-bullfighting. When BBC News interviewed LGBTQ+ locals, they expressed mixed views, with some believing that bullfighting and LGBTQ+ culture don’t align.
Despite the challenges, Alcalde remains determined to create a space for LGBTQ+ individuals within the bullfighting world. While opinions on the combination of bullfighting and LGBTQ+ identity may differ, Alcalde believes that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. His hope is to foster understanding, acceptance, and unity within the industry.
As Spain’s first openly LGBTQ+ matador, Alcalde’s courageous decision to come out may pave the way for others to embrace their true selves. By challenging norms and sparking conversation, he seeks to inspire change and create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in bullfighting.
