Yet more attacks against LGBT+ people, reported to the GAY HELP LINE 800 713 713 service, Mattia and Antonio (fictitious names), were attacked last weekend at 4 am after an LGBT+ evening in Rome.
As they were crossing the street, hand in hand, a car cut them off and then stopped. A frightened scream from one of the two youths sparked the violence. Four people (three men and a woman) got out of the car and beat them, shouting homophobic insults, without anyone intervening except to film the incident. Antonio was hit with a belt, kicked, and punched, while the woman hit both of them in the head. Despite numerous witnesses, no one intervened until someone stopped the attackers.
We're publishing the video to ask anyone who recognizes them to report them to 800 713 713 or to law enforcement. After going to the emergency room, the victims decided to report the incident to the police and called Gay Help Line 800 713 713, an anti-homophobia and transphobia contact center, for legal assistance.
They said they felt trapped when their attackers saw them holding hands and began shouting "faggots." The victims stated, "We can no longer accept living in a society where violence, like the one we experienced, is still a sad reality. My boyfriend and I want to send a message against all types of aggression. We are tired of being afraid to walk hand in hand, of constantly looking over our shoulders, of living with the constant fear of being the victims of senseless acts. Even though we are not professional activists, we cannot remain silent in the face of such brutality. Beyond the physical pain of the beating, we were deeply hurt by the indifference of those who witnessed the scene. Rather than intervene to help us, these people preferred to film the incident and post it on social media, mocking our pain.". Reviewing the video, we were shocked by the ferocity with which we were attacked, without anyone fearing the serious consequences that such an act could have.”
Alessandra Rossi, Coordinator of the Gay Help Line 800 713 713, stated: “What happened to the two young men leaves us shocked and concerned. In recent months, Gay Help Line had already recorded an increase in reports of micro-aggressions in LGBTQIA+ community settings. There is concern, but also strength born of indignation. The culture of hate cannot and must not be brought into places of social interaction and entertainment. Greater attention from institutions is needed, recognizing specific protections for those who are its victims.”.
Alessandro Cataldi, Head of Legal Affairs at Gay Help Line, added: "Gay Help Line is supporting Mattia and Antonio in their legal efforts. With the goal of identifying those responsible, we urge anyone who was present and recorded the vehicle's license plate to report the incident by calling 800713713 or reporting it to law enforcement. LGBTQIA+ community spaces, in Rome and in every city, must remain hubs of culture, where everyone knows they can feel free and safe.".
The two boys decided to release the video of the attack in an attempt to identify the attackers.
The Gay Help Line 800 713 713 service is supported by UNAR- Presidency of the Council, the Lazio Region, the Municipality of Rome, the 8×1000 funds of the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai and the Waldensian Church.