Sitges LGBT+ figure named in Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Honours List
Brandon Jones awarded British Empire Medal for services to UK community in coastal town
The founder of Gay Sitges Link and the Sitges English Theatre Company, Brandon Jones, is one of four Brits in Spain to have been named in Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours List.
The longstanding co-owner of Casablanca cocktail bar in the seaside town 35km southwest of Barcelona, Brandon is renowned for his work in local charitable and cultural events, as well as his contributions to the LGBT+ community.
His efforts include the founding of the English Theatre Company and Gay Sitges Link in 1999 and 2011 respectively, the latter of which offers emotional, psychological and legal support, rapid HIV testing and social activites.
He has also pioneered festivals which promote historical links between Catalonia and other territories, such as with Ireland in 2012 and Wales in 2019.
The British Ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliott, said that despite Jones’ festivals having “strengthened links between the UK and Spain”, it was “his pioneering charity work with Gay Sitges Link that Brandon most deserves to be recognized”.
When discussing the accolade, Jones described it as “a delight and an honor”.
LGBT+ Community in Catalonia
The seaside town of Sitges, not far from Barcelona, is often considered Catalonia’s ‘gay capital’, with a variety of gay bars, a gay beach, and is generally very gay-friendly.
Gay communities can also be found elsewhere in Catalonia, particularly in Barcelona’s Gaixample, a collection of nearly 20 city blocks in the Eixample neighborhood populated by gay shops, bars, discos and restaurants.
Furthermore, between June 13 and June 26, Pride! Barcelona is making its return, with one of the most awaited moments being AQUA music group’s performance, the artists from the 90’s pop-hit ‘Barbie Girl’.
Sitges Pride is also taking place from June 8 to 12, featuring tribute acts, parades, and after parties.