The Europe-Mediterranean Trans Collectives Camp, organized by France-based FLIRT - Front Trans Fem, took place between March 14–21 at La Bassa Mar in Catalonia, Spain. This international gathering brought together trans collectives from the Europe-Mediterranean region, with Turkey’s Pembe Hayat also in attendance. Representing Pembe Hayat LGBTİ+ Solidarity Association, Fundraising and International Relations Coordinator Lilith Bardakçı participated in the camp. Bardakçı also conducted an interview with the trans collective La Bassa Mar, located in the rural area of Catalonia, Spain.
“Trans Realities in Rural Spain: A Conversation with nene from La Bassa Mar”
In an enlightening interview with nene, a trans migrant from Argentina, we discussed their work with La Bassa Mar, a trans collective based in rural Catalonia, Spain. La Bassa Mar serves as a sanctuary for queer people, especially trans individuals, from various marginalized backgrounds. nene offers an in-depth look at how this grassroots initiative is challenging the isolation faced by queer communities in rural areas while pushing the boundaries of activism and collective living.
“La Bassa Mar is a Space for Healing and Resistance”
Located in the southern region of Catalonia, La Bassa Mar began three years ago when the group had access to a house in the countryside, turning it into a retreat space for queer and trans individuals. The project emerged as a response to the increasing pressure faced by those living at the intersections of multiple oppressions, such as racism, migration, and disability. nene, who has been involved with the project for over two years, speaks with pride about the initiative:
“La Bassa Mar is more than just a place; it’s a space for healing and resistance. We wanted to create something that wasn’t just about surviving but thriving in a system that marginalizes us. We welcome queer and trans people, but we put special emphasis on those who face intersectional challenges because these are the people who are often most excluded from traditional spaces, even within queer communities.”
nene explains that the collective works not only as a sanctuary but also as an activist hub where members can strategize and recharge. Open calls are frequently made for queer individuals to visit and join the community, but the space also hosts private retreats by organizations focused on social justice. “It’s a fluid space, a living project. We don’t have rigid structures—people can come for short stays individually or with a group, and also help out in the space for terms of one or two months,” says nene.
Centering Accessibility and Inclusivity
From its inception, the collective has been deeply committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment. nene shares how the team works to keep making the space more accessible to individuals with disabilities:
“We’re always thinking about how we can make the space better for those with physical disabilities or other access needs. The goal is to make this a space where no one feels excluded.”
“Spain’s Trans Rights Movement: Progress with Barriers”
nene reflects on the political landscape in Spain, particularly concerning trans rights. In 2023, a new law was passed, granting trans people the ability to change their legal name and gender without the need for medical or psychological certification, a move that was seen as a significant win for the trans community. However, nene is quick to point out that these reforms do not paint the full picture:
“On paper, things look great. But when you dig deeper, you see that there are still so many barriers. For example, to change your legal name, you need to have Spanish citizenship, which, of course, many times leaves out migrants. There are people who have been living here for years, but because they don’t have the right paperwork, they’re excluded from the benefits of this law.”
For trans migrants in particular, nene highlights that the law does present specific barriers. “If you can’t change your name in your home country and you don’t have the right legal status in Spain, where does that leave you?” nene asks, their frustration palpable. They also bring attention to the exclusion of trans minors from some of the law’s protections:
“TERFs and SWERFs [Sex Worker-Exclusionary Radical Feminists] have been very active here, and they succeeded in pushing through amendments that make it harder for trans minors to access legal gender recognition. It’s really frustrating because the movement worked so hard to get these reforms, and now we’re seeing how they still don’t cover the most vulnerable people in our community.”
The Importance of Rural Activism
nene challenges the common narrative that queer and trans activism is centered in urban environments. For them, La Bassa Mar is proof that rural areas can offer a unique and vital space for queer organizing:
“There’s this assumption that if you’re queer, the only place you can be yourself is in the city. But that’s not true. Rural areas offer something different. There’s more space, literally and metaphorically, for us to create something new. Sure, it comes with its own set of challenges, but that’s where the power of community comes in.”
nene emphasizes that building queer networks in rural areas is not just possible but essential for the survival and growth of the movement. “What we’re doing here is showing that rural spaces aren’t hostile by default. They offer things that you can’t have access to in the cities, and they can also be transformed. We’re proving that queer people can—and do—exist outside the urban bubble.”
“Movement Building is Key”
At the heart of La Bassa Mar is a strong focus on movement building. The collective is part of the Espai Trans de les Terres de l’Ebre, a group that facilitates connections between trans people from the area. Every October, the collective organizes “Trans October,” a month-long event that amplifies the voices and experiences of trans individuals in rural contexts.
nene believes that fostering solidarity is crucial:
“Networking is everything, specially in the actual political context. It’s how we survive, how we share resources, and how we sustain our activism. With initiatives like Trans October, we’re trying to bring visibility to the experiences of trans people in rural areas and highlight that our struggles aren’t just about individual rights, but about collective liberation.”
Looking Forward
When asked about the future of La Bassa Mar, nene remains optimistic despite the challenges they face. “We’re growing, and people are starting to take notice. More people are coming to our retreats, and we’re building stronger alliances with other queer groups across Spain and Europe. It’s a lot of (joyful) work, but seeing the way people come alive when they’re here—that makes it all worth it.”
In closing, nene shares a vision for La Bassa Mar that extends far beyond its walls: “This place is a refuge, yes. But it’s also a spark. We want people to come here, recharge, and then go out and continue the fight. We want La Bassa Mar to be a model for how queer and trans people can build sustainable, autonomous spaces for ourselves, wherever we are.”
Conclusion
La Bassa Mar is more than just a rural retreat; it’s a symbol of resilience, activism, and community for queer and trans individuals in Spain. Through their work, nene and their fellow activists are proving that the fight for trans liberation is not limited to urban centers. It’s a movement that transcends borders, both geographic and social, and is grounded in the power of collective action. As nene puts it, “We’re here, we’re fighting, and we’re building a future where we can all thrive—no matter where we are.”
You can visit their website and social media accounts for more information about the trans collective La Bassa Mar.
