On May 17, 2024, on the occasion of the World Day against Homobitransphobia, Rome saw the inauguration of a new structure dedicated to young LGBT+ victims of violence and discrimination. This is the LGBT+ Refuge Co-Housing, located in the heart of the capital in a property confiscated from the mafia. The ceremony saw the participation of numerous local authorities, who expressed their support for this important social inclusion project.
A project for social inclusion in the center of Rome
The LGBT+ Refuge Co-Housing was strongly supported by Municipality 1 of Rome Capital. In fact, the President Lorenza Bonaccorsi, the Councilor for Equal Opportunities Claudia Santoloce and the President of the Equal Opportunities Commission Daniela Spinaci were present at the inauguration ceremony. For the Municipality of Rome, Yuri Trombetti, President of the Heritage Commission, participated and symbolically handed over the keys of the property to the manager Marina Marini of the Refuge LGBT+ family homes of the Gay Center.
This structure represents a fundamental resource for LGBT+ young people facing situations of violence and discrimination. Thanks to the project, they will be able to find a safe and welcoming place where they can start again, in full autonomy, but with the necessary support to get back on their feet. The economic and organizational contribution of the Soka Gakkai Buddhist Institute made the financing of the entire operation possible.
Concrete support for young LGBT+ people in difficulty
The LGBT+ Refuge Co-Housing, located in a property seized from the mafia, is able to host up to three young LGBT+ people in a semi-autonomous regime. This shelter is the third managed by the Gay Center, after Refuge LGBT and Refuge T* A casa di Ornella, and represents a further step forward in increasing the places available for young people in difficulty. Despite this, every year in Italy over 400 young LGBT+ people are kicked out of their homes and need hospitality and welcome.
The services offered by Gay Center, including the Gay Help Line 800 713 713 and the Speakly.org portal, are essential in providing support to these people. These tools have benefited from the support of various institutions, including UNAR-Presidency of the Council, Lazio Region, Municipality of Rome, Soka Gakkai Italian Buddhist Institute and Waldensian Church. Furthermore, the Flying Tiger Copenhagen store chain has chosen to support these services for the second consecutive year, giving them visibility in 131 points of sale throughout Italy.
The new structure: a symbol of redemption and hope
The inauguration of the LGBT+ Refuge Co-Housing does not only represent the opening of a new structure, but a symbol of redemption and hope for the entire community. Being located in the historic center of Rome, in a property confiscated from the mafia, adds a profound meaning to the project, underlining how assets once used for criminal activities can today become tools of rebirth and inclusion.
This new initiative is a clear signal of the commitment of local institutions in promoting social inclusion policies and the fight against discrimination. Collaboration between public and private, combined with the support of civil society, demonstrates how it is possible to create effective solidarity networks. The Gay Center, with its family homes and support services, continues to represent an essential point of reference for the LGBT+ community.
Useful information
The LGBT+ Refuge Co-Housing opened its doors on May 17, 2024, on the occasion of World Day against Homobitransphobia. The structure located in the historic center of Rome can accommodate up to three young LGBT+ people and represents a safe place for those who have suffered violence and discrimination. The project was financed by the Soka Gakkai Buddhist Institute and enjoys the support of multiple institutions and partners, including the Municipality of Rome, the Lazio Region and the Waldensian Church. Young people in difficulty can contact the Gay Help Line 800 713 713 or visit the Speakly.org portal for further information and support.
