During the night between Friday and Saturday, a serious act of violence occurred in Ljubljana against a young man from Trieste, Antonio Parisi, a longtime activist against homophobia and the advancement of LGBT rights, and the artistic director of Jotassassina. The young man was first verbally and then physically attacked, resulting in serious facial injuries.
The incident occurred at a fast food restaurant near Ljubljana's train station, after returning from a night at the Tiffany nightclub. The young man was first insulted and then punched. No one intervened to defend him. The police arrived later, but an ambulance was not called.
The young man was accompanied by a friend to the hospital in Ljubljana, where he was treated and sent home. Due to the serious injuries he sustained, Antonio Parisi had to undergo further treatment at the Maggiore Hospital in Trieste yesterday.
The Circolo Arcobaleno Arcigay Arcilesbica of Trieste, first and foremost, expresses its solidarity and support for the victim of this violence, firmly denouncing the vile attack and the climate of rampant homophobia that knows no bounds. Arcigay National President Paolo Patané called the young man to express his solidarity and assure him of the association's legal protection.
In light of these sad events, as we approach May 17th, the International Day Against Homophobia, it becomes increasingly urgent to promote a culture of respect and inclusion, condemning all forms of homophobia that pervade our society and manifest themselves in discriminatory comments against homosexuals and in acts of verbal and physical violence against those deemed different and therefore devalued because of their sexual orientation.
David Zotti
President of the Circolo Arcobaleno Arcigay Arcilesbica of Trieste
