Gay rights groups in Italy have expressed their admiration for Donatella Versace after she delivered a heartfelt and personal speech denouncing the government’s anti-gay policies while receiving a prestigious fashion award.
During the ceremony on Sunday night, Versace criticized the government’s policy that only recognizes the biological parent in same-sex couples as the official parent, stating, “Our government is attempting to strip away the freedom of individuals to live as they choose. They are placing limitations on our liberties.”
Versace, who has served as the creative director of the fashion house founded by her late brother Gianni Versace since his tragic murder in 1997, emphasized the need for everyone to fight for freedom. She highlighted the ongoing violence against transgender individuals, the lack of consideration for the children of same-sex couples, and the targeting of minority voices through new laws.
The powerful speech received a standing ovation from the fashion community gathered at La Scala in Milan, where Versace was presented with a humanitarian award.
Gay rights activists commended Versace for boldly challenging the government’s actions but urged the entire fashion community to do more.
Franco Grillini, a longtime gay rights activist, praised Donatella Versace for being the first person in Italy to directly confront the government’s homophobic policies. He encouraged others in the fashion industry to follow her example, noting her significant influence as a prominent figure in fashion.
In addition to refusing recognition of children born to same-sex couples, the right-wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is pushing for legislation that would prohibit seeking surrogacy abroad, making it a punishable offense. Italy already banned surrogacy within the country in 2004.
The leader of Italy’s Gay party also commended Versace for her support and called on her to endorse their campaign to hold a referendum on gay marriage in Italy. The party aims to gather signatures starting in January, aware that the current parliamentary majority is resistant to granting LGBTQ+ rights. Italy only approved same-sex civil unions in 2016, making it the last major Western country to do so.
Fabrizio Marrazzo, spokesperson for the Gay party and the marriage equality referendum, remarked, “Donatella Versace’s declaration is of utmost importance. She has made it clear how this government is eroding freedoms and rights for the LGBTQ+ community. We implore her to support us, particularly our campaign for marriage equality for lesbians, gays, and transgender individuals.”
Versace attended the awards ceremony with Alessandro Zan, a Democratic party lawmaker who drafted legislation to extend anti-discrimination protections to the LGBTQ+ community. Unfortunately, the legislation has faced delays even before the Meloni government assumed office.
In a poignant moment, Versace recounted the day her brother Gianni confided in her about his sexuality, saying, “When I was 11 years old, my brother Gianni told me he was gay. It changed nothing for me. I loved him, and I did not care who he loved.”
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
