At a time when LGBTQ+ people face increasing violence, a rare moment of hope comes from La Coruña, Spain. The city has granted honorary citizenship to Ibrahima Diack and Magatte N’Diaye, two Senegalese migrants who risked their lives trying to save Samuel Luiz, a young gay man brutally beaten to death in 2021.
On July 3, 2021, Samuel Luiz, 24, was viciously attacked outside a nightclub. While many stood by, Ibrahima and Magatte stepped in to help—despite being undocumented at the time. Tragically, they couldn’t save him, but their courage made a lasting impact.

This week, La Coruña’s mayor, Inés Rey, honored them in a moving ceremony, saying:
“That two undocumented migrants were the only ones to risk their safety to help a victim of a hate-fueled mob is something to reflect on.”
Their bravery and solidarity stand in stark contrast to the bystanders who remained passive. The city’s recognition is not just symbolic—it’s a message against indifference.
Despite their recognition, Ibrahima and Magatte remain humble.
“We are not heroes,” Magatte said. “We just did what was right.” Their story is a powerful reminder that, in a world of hate, bravery and solidarity still exist
You may also like
-
Farewell to a Drag Icon: The Vivienne’s Tragic Passing
The queer community is mourning the loss of The Vivienne, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag
-
EU to Hungary: Trans Lives Matter in the Law
On March 13, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Hungarian authorities must correct
-
Utah’s Giant Pride Flag Defies the Ban
In a defiant response to Utah’s HB77 bill banning Pride flags from government buildings and
-
Tragedy at Macho Sauna in Brussels: Investigation underway
A tragic incident occurred on Sunday, March 16, at Macho Sauna, a well-known gay sauna in the Kolenmarkt/Rue
-
Hedwig’s Rock Revolution: A Queer Anthem in Belgium
Hedwig is more than a musical—it’s a raw, electrifying explosion of queerness, pain, and self-acceptance.