We learned from the newspapers about the transphobia incident that occurred yesterday in Sampierdarena and the serious consequences that led to a man who intervened to stop the incident being hospitalized.
Essentially, it appears that a group of ten young people, rightly referred to in the newspapers as a "pack," were swearing and ridiculing a transgender person at six in the morning. This news alone would be worrying enough. We've always described Genoa as a welcoming city, open to diversity, and we continue to believe so. One swallow doesn't make a summer, but one case of transphobia, and especially given the pack dynamics described, we hope it will raise serious concerns.
We continue to learn from the press that a citizen—we read Marco's name, but we don't know if it's his real name or a fictitious one—stepped up to defend the transgender girl and was attacked by the 10 boys. The transgender girl then called for help, and Marco (?) was rushed to San Martino Hospital and operated on (although we read conflicting versions of his condition).
These days, Genoa is celebrating "Rights Week," organized by the Municipality and featuring the theme "The Righteous.".
In keeping with what the newspapers have reported, we therefore feel compelled to thank Mr. Marco, if that is his name, and to thank a Righteous Man, one of the many who, faced with the choice of ignoring discrimination and violence, carrying on as if nothing had happened, or intervening, chose not to pretend nothing was happening.
We know it's not easy to intervene and that most people often pretend nothing's happening. Many young men and women who have been attacked for homophobia and transphobia unfortunately report the indifference of passersby while they were mocked, insulted, and attacked. Marco intervened and paid the price himself.
We hope that the City of Rights organization will have the opportunity to highlight this case and, on behalf of the City, thank a Righteous man who has remained out of the spotlight, one of those citizens who make our city and our world a better place with selfless and spontaneous acts of heroism—because that's what it is.
As far as we are concerned, since we cannot do so directly, we rely on the media to convey our sincere gratitude to him.
If you need legal assistance, we would be happy to offer our support through the Association's lawyers.
We are also evaluating whether it is appropriate to join the civil action, as Arcigay has already done several times.
However, given yet another case in this country, we cannot help but point out that Italy still lacks a law against homophobia, a rare case in Europe.
In recent weeks, we've seen the debate on yet another bill against homophobia continue to drag on. It's unacceptable that, faced with news stories like this, Parliament continues to respond with disinterest.
A civilized country cannot tolerate discrimination; Europe fights discrimination. This time, the Italian Parliament, albeit very late, must show its civility and lead our country into the Europe of rights.
Ostilia Mulas
President of Arcigay Arcilesbica Genova