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 à 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
Vous aimerez aussi
-
“What About Queer?”: A Museum That Moves, Breathes, and Belongs
From June 15 to July 15, Brussels becomes home to a bold, beautiful experiment in
-
Exaequo’s Testing Week: Supporting Gay and Bisexual Men’s Health in Brussels
From June 16th to 22nd, Exaequo—Brussels’ health partner for gay and bisexual men—is hosting a
-
Sappho’s Island Is Calling: Why the Eressos Women’s Festival Still Matters
Each late summer, Skala Eressos on the Greek island of Lesvos transforms into something more
-
Madrid Pride 2025: Loud, Proud, and Louder Than Ever
From taconazo to techno, from drag divas to love declarations, Madrid Orgullo 2025 is not
-
Proud in Anderlecht Returns for Its 3rd Edition on June 14th
The vibrant heart of Brussels’ Anderlecht district will once again celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the