A day full of events, music, fun, and solidarity, organized by Arcigay Varese and supported by Vector, Vodafone Automotive, and Hotel Tribe Milano Malpensa
Varese, June 21, 2024 – Tomorrow, Saturday, June 22, Varese Pride 2024 will take place, a demonstration for the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other gender identities and sexual orientations) and their families. The event is organized by Arcigay Varese with main sponsor Vector and gold sponsors Vodafone Automotive and Hotel Tribe Milano Malpensa. The sponsors support the event and the non-profit initiatives organized by the association on the subject.
Varese Pride 2024 is the highlight of a month-long series of cultural, artistic, and social initiatives, promoted by local organizations in partnership with the Municipality of Varese, under the patronage of the University of Insubria and the Canadian Embassy in Italy, as well as numerous other organizations in the city and province. The complete list of events is available at varesepride.it/events.
The organizers have also published a political manifesto for the event, because beyond being a moment of celebration, it is also a moment to demand equal rights. Varese Pride recognizes and promotes all forms of family, demands full recognition of same-sex families and equal marriage, and demands that the birth certificates of children from rainbow families be registered. It also calls for support for LGBT adoption. Varese Pride also supports trans* individuals, demands safe spaces, and asserts the fundamental right to healthcare, and stands against all forms of war and oppression. You can read the full political manifesto on the Varese Pride Instagram profile.
The program of the day
The day will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Arcigay Varese information stand in Piazza Monte Grappa, where you can learn about the association's activities, support Varese Pride and the non-profit initiatives it carries out to combat discrimination, and purchase official Varese Pride 2024 merchandise and pre-sale tickets for the Official After Pride Party.
At 3:30 pm, at the Giardini Estensi marquee, there will be a children's circus workshop, hosted by Spazio Kabum, offering little ones the opportunity to explore the world of circus and have fun with games and activities.
At 4:00 PM, participants will gather in Piazza Monte Grappa. The procession will depart at 5:00 PM and will wind through the streets of the historic center, playing music selected by DJ Ilariasds. It will then reach the Estensi Gardens, where Varese Pride Night will take place, a huge outdoor party with music, entertainment, and special guests.
Varese Pride Night will begin at 7:00 PM in the Estensi Gardens marquee. The free event will feature the presence of Romina Falconi, a Roman singer-songwriter with an eclectic and irreverent personality, an icon of Italian pop music, and a passionate activist for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. With her powerful voice and cutting lyrics, Romina has captivated audiences with songs that address important themes such as love, identity, and self-acceptance. During the day, Romina Falconi will announce a big surprise. Also taking the stage will be special guest Chadia Rodriguez, an Italian-Moroccan rapper, a burst of energy and talent who has conquered the Italian music scene with her unique style and bold lyrics. With her raspy voice and magnetic presence, Chadia addresses important issues such as female empowerment, inclusion, and the fight against stereotypes. The evening will continue with a DJ set by Cusa DJ, Varese Pride's resident DJ. With her infectious energy and eclectic music selection, she knows how to get everyone dancing and having fun. Her passion for music and her commitment to the LGBTQIA+ cause combine in engaging and emotionally charged sets, making her an icon of Varese Pride. Also on stage are drag queens La Ines, La Safira, and Miss Nuit Blanche, who will enchant and entertain the audience with their glamorous charm and wit. Also on stage are Riki Cellini, Effe, Vita Ninja, Croce Atroce, Odette Face, Yrina Polanova, Kilian Lenox, and many others, who will perform in a show that will highlight the Italian queer scene.
For those who want to continue the fun, the Official After Pride Party will be open from 1:00 a.m. at Il Salotto, the venue on Viale Belforte 178, which will host Varese Pride participants with music, drinks, and entertainment.
Services and special initiatives
Rapid, anonymous, and free HIV testing will be available throughout the day thanks to volunteers from Arcigay Varese, who will be present with their gazebo in Piazza Monte Grappa from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Security will be provided by City Angels Varese, whose presence and professionalism will ensure the smooth running of the event and the safety of all participants.
Organizers advise against bringing pets due to the temperature and confusion, but veterinary ambulances will be on hand to offer assistance and relief to animals in need.
Throughout the day, the Cooperativa Lotta contro l'Emarginazione will be hosting activities, offering information and risk prevention materials, including breathalyzer tests and informational materials.
The entire Pride Night will be fully accessible with simultaneous translation into Italian Sign Language, thanks to the collaboration with Integralis.
Additionally, a free lanyard featuring the sunflower symbol, symbolizing invisible diversity and neurodivergence, will be distributed to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by people with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other conditions that are invisible to the naked eye but require attention and respect.
Earplugs will be distributed to participants to make the event more comfortable for those who suffer from hearing loss or prefer a lower volume.
Upon arrival at the Giardini Estensi marquee, there will also be a sensory release area, particularly useful for people with autism, who will find a quiet and relaxing environment.
Food and beverage service will be available in the marquee area, with rainbow cocktails and a variety of food options to suit all tastes and needs. Smoking and glass bottles are prohibited under the marquee, to ensure everyone's safety and well-being.
After the procession, speeches will be given on the stage in the Giardini Estensi by the authorities and associations present. In addition to Giovanni Boschini, president of Arcigay Varese, who will introduce the evening and thank the participants, sponsors, and volunteers, the following will also speak: Rossella Dimaggio, councilor for equal opportunities and educational services for the Municipality of Varese; Enzo Laforgia, councilor for culture for the Municipality of Varese; Stefania Filetti, general secretary of the CGIL of Varese; the representative of FemVa, a Varese transfeminist collective; Italo Carloni, president of Agedo, an association of parents and friends of homosexual people; the spokesperson for Famiglie Arcobaleno, an association of homosexual parents with children; and the president of the ANPI Provincial of Varese, the national association of Italian partisans. Finally, representatives of Arcigay Varese's thematic groups will speak: Tommaso Tramonte, coordinator of the health group; Zeno Bertagna, coordinator of the trans* group; Filippo Caimi, coordinator of the youth group; and the representative of the High School Students Network.
Participants are reminded that the weather forecast is for a sunny and mild day. It's recommended to bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated. In case of inclement weather, the event will still take place.
For more information on the Varese Pride 2024 program and how to participate, visit the official website www.varesepride.it or follow us on social media: Facebook @varesepride and Instagram @vareseprideofficial.
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