Circomassimo Arcigay and Arcilesbica will not participate in the national Pride parade tomorrow, June 9th, in Bologna, with its traditional float filled with music and color, as well as political demands. The situation in our region following the earthquake has prompted us to reschedule the most important national demonstration for gay, lesbian, and transgender people. The volume will be lowered as a sign of respect and concern for the affected populations.
There won't be any floats, but our participation will be no less strong or heartfelt, and indeed we will transform it into something both useful and thought-provoking.
At the procession's arrival point, in Piazza Maggiore, we will be present with Arcigay Modena at a gazebo that will demonstrate the strength and will to revitalize the affected areas. We will also be providing two of our region's typical food specialties: Parmigiano Reggiano, produced by a affected company, and Ferrara bread.
The typical Ferrara "coppia," provided by the Loberti e Gulinati bakery in Bondeno, will be available for a free donation throughout the event, and all proceeds will go to the large fundraiser that Pride immediately launched in the aftermath of the earthquake.
The bread couples, donated to Pride participants and supporters, in addition to their important charitable purpose, will also raise awareness of the plight of gay and lesbian couples in our country, who suffer from a lack of institutional recognition—second-class couples with neither rights nor obligations, and obviously without any state protection. The kindness of the bread couples will convey the message that "all couples are good," whether heterosexual or homosexual, and all should have equal dignity and equal rights.
Flavio Romani – Patrizia Turchi
Presidents of Circomassimo Arcigay and Arcilesbica – Ferrara