The recent statements made by the mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro , against the LGBT community (list of books forbidden to children, refusal to host a gay pride in the town etc.) have affected the image of Venice and of all Italy, whose lacuna is the international symbol.
But Venice and Italy, as well as their inhabitants, are a different thing. Although negative news always spread more rapidly, the Italian society is increasingly open and friendly to the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. The big turnout at the 13 gay prides this year is proof of that.
Therefore, we want to take advantage of the next film festival in Venice, one of the main cultural and media events, when the lacuna will draw international attention, to send out a better image of Venice and Italy.
For this reason, we are appealing to the numerous international movie starts who will be walking on the Venetian red carpet from the 2nd to the 12th of September, to send a clear message against homophobia and to encourage equality. Let’s make Venice a rainbow town!
Wear a ribbon or any other accessory having the colours of the rainbow flag to show your support to the Italian LGBT community and explain the reasons for your support every time a journalist asks why you are wearing it. Venice and Italy deserve a different image, a worthy image for a civil town and a civil country.
To our readers, we ask to share this appeal on the social networks, using the #RainbowVenice hashtag and tagging their favourite stars.
(thanks to Vittorio Napoli for the English version)