«A’ France look at all the fagotism», «Less Vannacci, more hugs», «We are in fagotry». Some digs at the Pope, allusions to the results of the European elections. These are just some of the signs of the colorful tide of Turin Pride which does not stop even under a few drops of rain and a leaden sky. Thousands march through the streets of the city to claim the pride of an entire community.
La Stampa at Turin Pride, director Malaguti: “Rights are neither right nor left”
Amidst the 18 rolling floats and cannon music, all hands are in the air. Some Palestinian flags and a wagon with the writing on them also appear “No pride in a genocide”, despite the controversy of the queer Jewish association Keshet Italia which abandoned its participation.
Starting from Piazza Statuto, heading towards Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the voices vibrate. Sequins, rainbow flags, soap bubbles, glitter under the eyes. There are people of all ages and genders behind the banner with this year’s slogan, “Of love and struggle” on it. A few words that contain battles such as the recognition of same-sex families, LGBTQIA+ marriage, a law against homotransphobia. In the lead are Vladimir Luxuria and the mayor of the City of Turin, Stefano Lo Russo. Precisely for the mayor he claims that «a very bad signal has arrived from the European elections, a turn to the right which forces all of us to be even more present and be careful and continue to reiterate that the fact that there are equal rights for all is a sign of civilization and progress.” Then he emphasizes the need for a national law on same-sex couples.
Turin Pride, “rainbow” pedestrian crossing in front of the Region. Extinction Rebellion: “Climate and rights, same revolt”
June 15, 2024
Next to him also the councilors Jacopo Rosatelli and Chiara Foglietta. According to the activist and director of the Lovers Film Festival Vladimir Luxuria: «We march when there are friendly governments but also when there are those that threaten the community. It is important to be there with the city and European Pride events. I’m rooting for the 2027 European Pride in Turin, which is a candidate». And he throws water on the fire of controversy over the participation of Jewish people in Pride events: «Everyone is welcome. To me personally, however, they don’t represent the rainbow flags over the rubble in Palestine.”
The prejudices you don’t expect, Minici: “Because Pride is not a carnival”
To the tune of Raffaella Carrà, Lady Gaga, signs stand out on which everything is written. “God made Adam and Eve, I made them both”, “Less melons, more lemons”, “We’re not a mistake”, “Don’t worry, mum, they’re just fagots. I didn’t vote for Vannacci.”
Many people play on the very popular word “faggot”. Various examples: from “Always fagots, never fascists” to “There’s too much fagotism here and I like it”. Complete with a drawing of Pope Francis.
Transphobia, Sofia Darino: “My daily difficulties between police, healthcare and documents”
However, there are those who like it Giovanni Fiumanò, a university student from the Asti area, hoists the slogan “Faggot is not funny!”. Then he explains: «Behind this word there is discrimination that ends in self-harm and suicide. Too many people still mention it secretly».
Some are even at their first pride. Like a gang of five high school students from Chieri. Rainbow flags painted on faces, smiles printed on faces. «But we didn’t tell our parents that we were here», they confess.
There is also no shortage of drag queens, very young people, families whose children have just come out. Like Angela Mazzoccoli, 73 years old: «We are proud to be here physically. While politics goes in the opposite direction, we push to have our children recognized».
