Bertrand Delanoe

To Bertrand Delanoe, Mayor of Paris

Dearest Delanoe,
 
I learned with concern the news of the attack you were the victim of last night.

On behalf of myself and Arcigay, the National Association of Italian Gays, which I preside over, I want to express my deepest sympathy for what happened and express our sincere support.
The news coming from Paris reassures us about his health and allows us to breathe a sigh of relief. However, the news regarding the statements of the attacker, Azedine Berkane, who reportedly declared, "I don't like politicians, and especially homosexuals," is deeply disturbing.

His election to lead the French capital was France's second exciting gift to gay Europe, following the approval of the PACS, the law recognizing same-sex couples. The election of an openly gay mayor, in fact, represented the collapse of a negative myth: that coming out as gay was an obstacle to gaining respect, admiration, and consensus. This myth was again debunked shortly thereafter by the election of Klaus Wowereit as Mayor of Berlin.

The emergence of an anti-gay motive in last night's attack constitutes an attack not only on his person, but on a more general path of civilization and progress toward which Europe seemed to be striding. A few months ago, another prominent gay political leader, Dutchman Pym Fortuyn, was the victim of a deadly attack. In that case, there was no talk of an anti-gay motive, but today's news forces us to rethink that still murky episode as well.

Even today, throughout Europe, homosexual people often suffer the consequences of that dark evil known as homophobia, a combination of reactions of aversion, resentment, and fear toward homosexuality. It would be very sad to think that, just as you have become a positive symbol for gays around the world, today some might see you as a negative symbol of the emancipation of homosexuals from invisibility and shame.

Our daily struggle against the various forms of violence that society still inflicts on homosexuals today further amplifies the anger and indignation at the violence she, a symbol for all of us, had to endure. For these reasons, our hearts are even closer to hers.

I therefore offer you my heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery and confirm the affection and admiration of the Italian gay community.

Kind regards

Sergio Lo Giudice
National President of Arcigay