HOMOPHOBIA: ALARMING DATA FROM THE GAY HEALTH LINE TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 42% OF VIOLENCE OCCURS WITHIN THE FAMILY, 35% OF WORKERS SUFFER DISCRIMINATION
Extract from the press conference at the Campidoglio attended by Pietro Turano, Spokesperson for the Gay Center, Monica Lucarelli, Councilor for Equal Opportunities of the Municipality of Rome, Svetlana Celli, President of the Capitoline Assembly, Marilena Grassadonia, LGBT Office Rome, Agnese Canevari, UNAR Office for Anti-Racial Discrimination, Lucia Gori, OSCAD – Observatory for Security against Discriminatory Acts, Fabrizio Petri, Special Envoy for LGBT Rights of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francesca Serra, Waldensian Church, Gabriele Piazzoni – Secretary of Arcigay
“The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia has been celebrated for more than 30 years and Italy still ranks 33rd out of 49 European countries for the protection of the rights of LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) people. In the absence of adequate laws that allow us to photograph and combat the phenomenon, the data Gay Help Line 800.713.713, and Speakly.org, respectively toll-free number and chat against homotransphobia with over 20.000 contacts per year represent an observatory and a unique tool for understanding the extent of the phenomenon in Italy and offering support. For 17 years, the work of trained volunteers and professionals has allowed LGBT+ people to be recognized, listened to, and protected. The fact that the national Gay Help Line is now a service of the Municipality of Rome represents a powerful signal of inclusion from the capital for all citizens, not just the local community.” declares Pietro Turano, spokesman for Gay Center.
Italy rose only two places in 2022, but is still at the bottom of the list being 33rd out of 49 in the ILGA Europe (International Gay Lesbian Association) Rainbow Map, remaining among the last European countries in terms of policies protecting human rights and equality for LGBT+ people. The Gay Help Line annual report, presented today at the Capitoline Hill by Gay Center and Roma Capitale, confirms this dramatic figure and the increasing trend in reports, based on approximately 20,000 contacts received in 2021. The service is supported by the Municipality of Rome, the Lazio Region, UNAR, and the Waldensian Church.
Here are some of the key data:
This year too, more than 40% of reports come from under 35s and more than 10% from trans* people.
The 15% of the cases taken into care fall under hate crimes, of which mistreatment and violence in the family, especially in the 13-29 age group (59% suffered by family members), move from 35% in 2021 to 42%.
20% of users between 18 and 26 years old requested shelter at Refuge LGBT, Italy's first family home for LGBT+ youth facing discrimination within their families. Here too, a significant increase is evident.
Among the requests for support, the following stand out:
35% reports difficulties in accessing / fewer opportunities in the world of work after coming out
15% concerns mobbing, stalking and revenge porn in the workplace, with trans people particularly exposed
19% reports assaults and threats
and 15% reports bullying and discriminatory acts.
Almost all choose to access Gay Help Line services, but do not formally report to the authorities, because they say they are afraid and do not feel sufficiently protected. In cases where they report, collaboration with the authorities has been crucial. OSCAD (Inter-force observatory of police and Carabinieri against discrimination) especially in combating domestic violence following coming out.
Compared to the pandemic period, requests for support from asylum seekers based on sexual orientation and gender identity have increased by 150%, returning to pre-pandemic numbers.
A general and transversal increase in online hate speech has also been reported.
“Furthermore, the impact of prejudice has particularly negative consequences and gives rise to severe violence when combined with prejudice against other fundamental characteristics of people, such as ethnic and cultural origin, age, disability, and economic and social difficulties. Transgender people who contact the Gay Help Line and Speakly chat are the most discriminated against, especially if they lack corrected documents that respect their identity. To avoid the risk of discrimination, people often choose to self-isolate from social contexts and public services, even at the expense of their health, education, career, and the exercise of their rights.” Alessandra Rossi, coordinator of Gay Help Line, declares