Arcigay Bari has renewed its leadership and, thanks to new energy, is once again becoming a point of reference for the city. We interviewed the new president, Giuseppe Maffia, 28.
It's been a while since we heard about Arcigay Bari...
As you know, there has been little news from Arcigay Bari in recent years. With the latest elected president, Francesco Brollo, there were hopes that Arcigay Bari's activities would continue, but due to internal issues, which in my opinion have nothing to do with Mr. Brollo's sexual orientation, the committee has remained closed.
What will be the first initiatives you will implement?
I will strive to ensure that LGBTQI people find in Arcigay Bari a point of reference, as described in my program, for various issues, ranging from personal acceptance to family acceptance, including school and work-related issues. Furthermore, I hope that with my board, comprised of not only gay, but also trans and straight individuals, we can exchange ideas and opinions not only with other LGBTQI organizations in Bari but also with heterosexual associations. We believe that homophobia is a symptom of ignorance, and collaborating with non-exclusively gay individuals is a step forward in breaking down the prejudices that exist in a city like Bari.
Your program contains many concrete elements.
The first steps we are taking include organizing and establishing a technical committee at the Bari City Council to establish an LGBTQI office within the city hall, training courses for administrative staff, a shelter for those discriminated against in their families because of their sexuality, a project for the employment integration of trans people, and the union of the LGBT Deaf group with the Arcigay Bari committee "Free to be Free to Love.".
We will essentially start from these projects, obviously without excluding an intense membership campaign and internal committee activities, such as an internal library, film club, meetings, conferences and, to relax a bit, some evenings, social dinners or moments of general socialization.
Can I contact you to help you out?
Of course, our office is in Via Zara 15, the opening hours will be available soon, for any information or request for help you can contact us with the following temporary numbers 3274948049 wind or 3420445601 or the email [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook: Arcigay Bari
