Founded in 2001 and affiliated with the UMP from 2003 to 2013, this French association advocates for the recognition of the rights of homosexual, transsexual, or bisexual individuals, all within a republican and liberal spirit.
With the opening of a Gaylib branch in Nice, the movement, which has been associated with the UDI since 2013 (a departure due to the UMP’s opposition to marriage for all), aims to create a think tank to address issues related to homosexuality and combat the persistent discrimination surrounding it.
In the presence of Catherine Michaud, president of Gaylib and national secretary of the UDI, and Sébastien Esteve-Bonfils, representative of Gaylib PACA, the meeting led by Hervé Cael, Gaylib’s representative in Nice, emphasized the motivations of their association.
“This is not an exclusive ‘Gaylib’ office. We are not starting a community movement, but a liberal approach that should lead to a spirit of reflection.
The principle of secularism should not be respected solely for religions. We advocate for ‘sexual secularism’ where everyone should have the same respect, the same rights and duties.”
“I have the freedom to choose”
These few words encapsulate the entire issue and difficulty of asserting a fundamental principle: “to be free”.
While societal norms tend to evolve, the debate remains challenging to establish among different stakeholders.
“It is easier to live one’s sexuality in Paris compared to the provinces. We have contacts with the LGBT center in Nice, but we lacked a representative to establish dialogue with the local population and associative community. We do not ask people to accept our ideas but to listen to our motivations. It’s important to change mindsets.”
Regional elections in view
With the Regional elections approaching, the association will set up a working group to develop proposals on various Nice-related topics.
These will be integrated into the political party’s campaign.
