Naples, Franco Grillini awarded honorary citizenship. Piazzoni (Arcigay): "A political and cultural act."“
Naples, June 23, 2026 – “We welcome with great joy the decision of the City of Naples to grant honorary citizenship to Franco Grillini, a central figure in the history of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement in Italy, one of the founders of Arcigay and its honorary president,” said Gabriele Piazzoni, Secretary General of Arcigay. He continued: "This recognition comes at a time when the issue of rights and inclusion continues to pose a crucial challenge in the country, and it takes on strong symbolic and political significance, recognizing the contribution of those who have paved the way for the civil achievements of recent decades. It is an important message that the city sends to the entire country, acknowledging the personal journey of one of the protagonists of the history of the fight for rights in Italy, which we also see as recognition for Arcigay and the entire LGBTQIA+ movement. Naples demonstrates once again that it is a city capable of interpreting the present with the long view of history, valuing those who have contributed to building spaces of freedom, dignity, and self-determination. In a context where rights can never be taken for granted, this gesture takes on an even more significant meaning: it is a political and cultural act that strengthens the bond between institutions and communities, and revitalizes the collective commitment to equality," Piazzoni concluded.
Naples, June 23, 2026 – “We welcome with great joy the decision of the City of Naples to grant honorary citizenship to Franco Grillini, a central figure in the history of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement in Italy, one of the founders of Arcigay and its honorary president,” said Gabriele Piazzoni, Secretary General of Arcigay. He continued: "This recognition comes at a time when the issue of rights and inclusion continues to pose a crucial challenge in the country, and it takes on strong symbolic and political significance, recognizing the contribution of those who have paved the way for the civil achievements of recent decades. It is an important message that the city sends to the entire country, acknowledging the personal journey of one of the protagonists of the history of the fight for rights in Italy, which we also see as recognition for Arcigay and the entire LGBTQIA+ movement. Naples demonstrates once again that it is a city capable of interpreting the present with the long view of history, valuing those who have contributed to building spaces of freedom, dignity, and self-determination. In a context where rights can never be taken for granted, this gesture takes on an even more significant meaning: it is a political and cultural act that strengthens the bond between institutions and communities, and revitalizes the collective commitment to equality," Piazzoni concluded.
