University of La Laguna maintains Lucía Etxebarria lecture amid controversy

The University of La Laguna (ULL) has decided to proceed with a scheduled lecture by writer Lucía Etxebarria on October 10, despite calls for cancellation from student groups. The seminar, titled ‘Literature and Mental Health,’ was organized by the Department of Spanish Language and Literature.

Students from the Faculty of Humanities and the Humanities Student Delegation requested the withdrawal of Etxebarria’s invitation, citing her previous public statements regarding transgender individuals as incompatible with university participation. The protesters have also called for the inclusion of trans voices and mental health professionals specializing in gender diversity in the seminar.

In response, the university defended the academic autonomy of the organizing research group and department. While acknowledging that the writer’s past comments have caused ‘rejection and concern,’ the institution stated it would not promote the cancellation of the event.

Etxebarria has publicly addressed the controversy, claiming there are attempts to cancel her lecture. She denied labeling trans women as an ‘aberration,’ clarifying that she used the term ‘legal aberration’ to criticize specific legislative consequences. She also rejected accusations regarding her use of gendered terminology.