Yesterday the Gay Help Line service, represented by the associations Gay Center, Arcigay Rome, Lesbian Difference and Trans Action, met the Mayor Gualtieri and President Lorenza Bonaccorsi of the Municipio I with Valentino and Alex, Couple attacked and supported by the security service. The attack occurred in late January, and following the meeting at the Capitoline Hill, the couple decided to go public with the incident.
“After celebrating our civil union at the Campidoglio, we were still in our wedding attire and waiting for the Piramide metro station in Rome to open so we could go home. Outside the station, two young men approached us and began asking us questions about our relationship and our wedding attire, insinuating that we might be a gay couple. Subsequently, the attackers hurled homophobic insults at us, such as: “we like pussy”, and they punched Alex in the face, knocking him to the ground. The situation worsened further when, continuing to punch and kick, one of the attackers pulled out a knife about 10 centimeters long, preventing us from reacting defensively except to flee as soon as possible. After the attack, we went to the emergency room and contacted the emergency service. Gay Help Line 800 713 713, with their support we filed a complaint with the Rome Mobile Squad.We decided to make what happened public both to highlight the importance of reporting the incident and to encourage anyone who saw the attackers to report them to the police. Since we were attacked, we've been afraid to go out, but we're trying to overcome this fear and want to give strength to those like us who have been victims of aggression.” Valentino and Alex declare
At the emergency room, injuries to Alex's face were later confirmed and reported, while the Rome Mobile Squad, is currently investigating to track down the attackers. At the same time, we are offering psychological support to help victims overcome the trauma they experienced.
“We thank the Mayor Gualtieri, Lorenza Bonaccorsi president of the Municipio I for the support of the two attacked boys and the representative of the rights office Marilena Grassadonia, present at the meeting. This episode adds to numerous other cases of homophobic and transphobic violence, such as those that occurred during New Year's Eve in Turin, Milan, and Rome, which are unfortunately now well-known in the news.. Sor not Gay Help Line 800 713 713 receives 20,000 contacts every year., which highlight the tragic reality of hate crimes and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. In almost all cases, the requests remain anonymous, as it is not always possible for victims to report them publicly. These events highlight the constant threat to which marginalized communities are exposed daily and underscore the urgency of concrete interventions by institutions, such as the City of Rome's Gay Help Line, the LGBT+ service supporting the City, and the establishment of an LGBT office for about 20 years. The attack, which occurred in Rome, was reported to the authorities with the support of Gay Help Line. We are appealing for help from law enforcement in identifying the two attackers.” declares Alessandra Rossi, Coordinator of Gay Help Line
“On behalf of Municipio I, I expressed our full support for the couple, and we offered psychological support through the Municipio I LGBT+ PUA help desk, managed by Gay Help Line. As Municipio I, we are on the front lines against all discrimination, and in particular, in support of the LGBT+ community, we have also opened the LGBT+ CoHousing Refuge, dedicated to people in the community who are victims of family abuse or migrant abuse, to support them on their path to independence.“ declares Lorenza Bonaccorsi President of the Municipio I of Rome
The service of Gay Help Line 800713713 has the support of the Municipality of Rome, 8×1000 funds from the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai, the Waldensian Church, and donations from companies and private individuals.