«"Cross Kissing," a collective kiss against homophobia in Bari

BARI A few moments of traffic stopped and a free kiss, right in the city center, to say no to homophobia. Puglia is also preparing to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, Tuesday, May 17. The "Cross Kissing," the collective kiss on Corso Vittorio Emanuele at 8 p.m., is one of the initiatives taking place in Bari. In Lecce, the Officine Cantelmo will host documentaries, debates, and open discussions starting at 9 a.m. In Bari, the initiatives were presented yesterday. The anniversary is both an opportunity for struggle and commemoration: only on May 17, 1990, homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organization's list of mental illnesses. "We associations in Bari," explained Antonella Favia, president of Arcilesbica Bari, "will be together to raise awareness of gender and the value of differences. Only through awareness can we avoid discrimination. And ensure equal opportunities for all." The Bari program for the 17th includes, in addition to the flash mob, the screening of a lesbian-themed video at the Taverna del Maltese at 6 pm, the screening of an Arcigay video at the Ciclatera at 8:30 pm, and a concert by Eleonora Magnifico at the Glamorama at 10 pm. (ad. lo.)