Yesterday, Friday 16 May, on the eve of the International Day against Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, Casoria hosted the march “Freedom Casoria“, students, teachers, citizens, associations and institutional representatives took to the streets to promote the values of freedom, acceptance and equality and to say a resounding “no” to all forms of discrimination and homophobic hatred.
The event, promoted by Antinoo Arcigay Naples, Youth Construction Site And Social Communication in close collaboration with the Municipality of Casoria, is part of the larger project "“Casoria can be done“", held at the Municipal Library. The march, which attracted several thousand people, represented a moment of strong collective impact and visibility against homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, and more generally, against all prejudice and violence.
The streets of Casoria were filled with color and life thanks to the enthusiastic participation of local schools, demonstrating how the younger generations are far ahead of a political system that is too often incapable of listening to their needs and aspirations. Alongside the students, associations and many citizens formed a vibrant procession, carrying messages of solidarity and welcome.
Institutional participation was significant, with the active support and participation of organizations such as the Campania Region, the Metropolitan City of Naples, and the Municipality of Casoria, which were at the forefront alongside Antinoo Arcigay Napoli in organizing the initiative. Among those present to demonstrate their cross-party support for the cause were political figures from Gilda Sportiello And Roberto Fico.
A particularly touching message came from Lucia Fortini, Councillor for Schools and Social Policies of the Campania Region: “I ask myself: why? Why can't we simply focus on making people feel good? Why do we insist on deciding who others should be? How they should live? Don't let anyone else choose for you. And if a friend of yours is going through a difficult time, don't turn away: help them. Each and every one of us has the right to live who we are, what we feel. In the freest way possible. Freedom. Respect. Equality.” Addressing young people directly, he added: “Live freely. Human stupidity and wickedness know no bounds, but don't let them take away the joy of loving, however and whomever you want. Keep spreading love.“.
Antonello Sannino, president of Antinoo Arcigay Naples, adds: “The procession Yesterday was simply wonderful. What we can truly consider a first, historic Pride parade in Casoria, made even more beautiful and special by the enthusiastic participation of local schools, who marched with us, at our side. While at the national level, this government continues to block fundamental programs such as sexual and emotional education in schools and tries in every way to censor issues regarding the freedom of being and expressing oneself for LGBTQIA+ people, from Casoria and our Campania Region, a strong and clear message comes, once again, against the grain: free to love, free to dream, free from hatred and prejudice.“
View this post on InstagramThe role and presence of the Mayor of Casoria is fundamental, Raffaele Bene, of his deputy Gaetano Palumbo and of many councilors and advisors, of the deputy mayor of the Metropolitan City of Naples, Joseph Cirillo. Their words certainly reaffirmed their concrete commitment to building a more open and respectful community, where differences are considered a resource and not a source of division.
