San Bartolomé Ayuntamiento has confirmed it will restore the LGBTIQ+ mural dedicated to the transgender community after it was vandalised with paint last week. Mayor Isidro Pérez confirmed the decision to La Voz, while also announcing plans for a second mural celebrating the LGBTIQ+ community.
Artist Iván Temprano, who created the damaged mural, said the artwork’s location near the sports centre leaves it particularly vulnerable to vandalism, as the area is often deserted. He suggested this increases the risk of further attacks once the mural has been restored.
In response, the council plans to commission a new LGBTIQ+ mural near the town’s secondary school. Although no official date has been set, authorities say the project will begin “soon.”
Speaking about the attack, Temprano recalled receiving negative remarks even while he was painting the mural. He stressed that the artwork contained nothing provocative, describing it as a simple depiction of people smiling and embracing.
In comments shared on social media, the artist said the vandalism appeared to be ideologically motivated by individuals who view messages of diversity and inclusion as a threat.
“The mural simply said that love conquers hate and showed people smiling and hugging one another,” he said. “I don’t understand how a message like that could provoke such a reaction. It’s difficult to believe there are still people who think this way, but clearly there are.”
Temprano also highlighted the damage done to the artwork itself but said the incident would not change his commitment to creating inclusive public art.
“I’ll continue using my art to support causes and messages centred on inclusion and respect,” he said. “Sometimes, when people try to silence a message, they end up amplifying it instead.”
The artist also addressed criticism on social media regarding the cost of the mural, clarifying that the project was funded by the Canarian Government rather than San Bartolomé council.
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