A journey through time that explores contemporary sexualities
The Raval and the Gòtic serve as a stage to explore the construction of sexual and gender freedoms in an author's journey.
Controversy always accompanied the libertarian writer Donatien Alphonse François de Sade, better known by his noble title of Marquis, who lived in a context of profound social and political change in 18th-century France. His figure and work were constantly the subject of controversy, with writings characterised by the explicit description of sexuality, the questioning of authoritarian institutions and the daring to show the fiercest human desires. Sade. Freedom or Evil was the exhibition that reflected on the aesthetic, philosophical and political legacy of the Marquis de Sade in contemporary culture.
Corruptor of consciences or revolutionary artist? It is in the context of this exhibition that Sexualitats S.XX / BCN. Un segle de lluites per les llibertats sexuals i de gènere, an itinerary proposed by MUHBA to show Sade’s work while going through key moments in history for sexual & gender freedom in Barcelona. The itinerary begins at Plaça Portal de la Pau, where there is the statue of Columbus, and moves on to Plaça 8 de Març in a journey that fuses memory, history and present-day reflection.
Miquel Missé will guide participants through the most significant spaces for the LGBTQ+ and gender community in the city, sharing stories of resistance, visibility and change. A unique opportunity to delve into the history of the city and understand how the struggles of today are the legacy of past generations.
Thus, under a reflective and challenging gaze, the itinerary traces a timeline where the decade of the 1970s becomes the starting point of a journey through the echoes of sexual and gender liberties. It then moves on to the lights of the future, arriving in the Barcelona of today and looking forward to new opportunities, using the Raval and Gòtic neighbourhoods as the backdrop. A journey in which each race and each stretch holds a piece of history of the sexual and gender freedoms that have shaped the city.
An interesting route that forms part of the Barcelona History Museum's proposal to explore sexual freedom from a vindicative point of view and which will be exploring the city on 27 March. You will find more information on the MUHBA website.