“Il pride? Vada anche il sindaco”

Rovigo's first Gay Pride parade hasn't arrived yet, but the debate surrounding the June 20th event has been raging for days. The most controversial comments were made by Mayor Valeria Cittadin, who distanced herself from the event, calling it increasingly "forms of ideological provocation, exhibitionism, and spectacularization," while reiterating that her position has nothing to do with homophobia. These words didn't go unnoticed and spark a broader reflection on the meaning attributed to Pride today: a moment of inclusion and visibility, or an event that risks straying from the theme of rights? For Denis, this is precisely the point: the risk of judging without truly knowing what happens during these events. "Perhaps we haven't fully understood what the event is intended to be," he observes. "It's a march where people talk about and express their identities." He also offers a proposal: "I would advise the mayor to participate, to be there, and to see for himself. These people are also part of the community." For him, Pride can also be an opportunity for the city: a moment of socialization, capable of bringing people together and reminding them that discrimination continues to exist in everyday life. Alice, more succinct but along the same lines: "Everyone can do what they want. It doesn't bother me that people demonstrate for what they believe in." And to the mayor's words, she adds: "It seems like a slightly excessive comment." Bianca also brings up the issue of freedom of expression: "If we accept other demonstrations, I don't see why we shouldn't accept this one too. I think everyone has the right to express themselves freely." Sergio, on the other hand, distances himself from the definition used by the mayor, but remains critical of Pride: "Calling it a circus is no, but I don't think it does any good for the city." For Caterina, the principle remains simple: "Everyone should have the freedom to live their sexual orientation and behave as they wish." And she has no doubts about the definition chosen by the mayor: "Absolutely not, it's not a circus." Antonio concludes the discussion, saying he supports freedom of expression but limits the tone of the demonstrations: "I'm for the free expression of all sexual preferences. I'm against the exaggeration of the demonstration, but I agree with everyone's freedom." He clarifies: "For me, it's not a circus." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stay in touch and follow us on our social media channels YOUTUBE https://bit.ly/3l1EL0H FACEBOOK   / lavocedirovigo   INSTAGRAM   / vocedirovigo   TWITTER   / lavocedirovigo