Arcigay Varese: "At the Arcobaleno Center, one admission every two days: committing to a culture of respect and inclusion."“
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
On the occasion of the anniversary, Arcigay Varese The association is releasing access data to the Arcobaleno Center, the anti-discrimination center for sexual orientation and gender identity founded in June 2022 in Varese and managed by the association in partnership with CGIL Varese, the Italian Red Cross Varese, Circolo Gagarin, EOS, the Municipality of Varese, and Rete Rosa Saronno.
Since June 2022, the anti-discrimination center has had one visit every two days and, overall, almost 200 visits.
A third of accesses are by very young people, under 30 or in many cases minors accompanied by their parents.
Among the most prevalent critical issues are questions of gender identity, coming out, and the loneliness generated by marginalization.
A large portion of these visits were intercepted by the Center's psychological service, while a portion participated in discussion and self-help groups.
The Arcobaleno Center provides free assistance to victims of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, providing counseling, assistance, and support. It is funded by UNAR-Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the European Social Fund through the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies. It is located in Varese Biumo. People requiring the Center's services can find all the information on its website. centroarcobaleno.org or by calling 0332 182 8050, with an answering service available 24 hours a day.
In the coming months, a communications campaign will also be launched, also funded by UNAR, which aims to dismantle stereotypes and prejudices through respect for each person. The campaign will be implemented by Arcigay Varese in partnership with the municipalities of Luino, Varese, and Saronno. Activities will also be planned throughout the summer in local nightlife venues through our partner, Cooperativa Lotta contro l'Emarginazione.
Arcigay Varese believes that cultural change is essential through awareness-raising events and initiatives.
The association believes it is a priority to discuss these issues in schools to raise awareness among tomorrow's adults. For this reason, the association has reached over 200 students in the last year and is currently working on a project in collaboration with the Municipality of Saronno, involving the city's high schools.
“Through dialogue we can break down stereotypes and prejudices against LGBTQIA+ people, but it is always necessary for institutions to work to foster a climate of inclusion.” – he declares John Boschini, President of Arcigay Varese, "Our region has made progress on this issue, but there is a larger problem at the national level that severely limits the actions we can take. This year too, our country ranked 34th out of 49 European countries according to the ranking Rainbow EuropeOnly countries like Georgia, Romania, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are worse than us. We need to start a serious, ideologically-free discussion on the human rights of LGBTQIA+ people.".
The initiatives planned for the anniversary
On Saturday, May 20th, from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM, Arcigay Varese will host an Arcigay Varese gazebo with the slogan "To fight homophobia and transphobia, we also need your help." A treetop poster will be set up, and passersby will be able to leave their handprints, creating a colorful treetop. During the event, visitors will also be able to learn about Varese Pride 2023, scheduled for June 17th.
A banner reading "Varese says no to homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia" will also be displayed at Palazzo Estense, where the rainbow bench is located in the gardens.
Several municipalities are also planning initiatives featuring the display of the rainbow flag. The Municipality of Fagnano Olona will illuminate its castle with the colors of the rainbow flag.
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