LGBT+ YOUTH SAVED THANKS TO REFUGE CO-HOUSING LGBT+

“Every year, through the Gay Help Line 800 713 713, we receive hundreds of requests for help from LGBT+ people, mostly young people, who are experiencing violence within their families and need a safe place to retreat. The opening of Refuge Co-Housing LGBT+ this summer was a significant addition to our Refuge LGBT+ Network, allowing us to welcome over 140 people since 2016. This facility is specifically dedicated to those who have overcome the most traumatic phase and are ready to embark on a journey towards independence. Refuge Co-Housing LGBT+ offers them the opportunity to pursue specialized or post-secondary studies, paths that users could not undertake alone, with the aim of ensuring better job opportunities and overcoming the discrimination LGBT+ people face in the workplace. This great achievement was possible thanks to the invaluable contribution of our supporting partners.” says Marina Marini, Head of the Refuge LGBT+ Network

 

“As members of the Soka Gakkai, we are deeply convinced that the true dignity of every person is achieved only through the elimination of all forms of discrimination and prejudice. Supporting the Refuge Co-Housing LGBT+ project represents a concrete commitment to ensuring safe spaces and concrete protections where young LGBT+ people can find hope and build a future free from fear, fully realizing their potential.” said Anna Conti, vice president of the Italian Buddhist Institute Soka Gakkai.

 

“In Italy, we're still far behind in welcoming victims of homophobia and transphobia, who are often victims of domestic violence and lack a safe place to stay. That's why, as Rome's Municipio 1, we've decided to dedicate this house seized from the mafia to support the LGBT+ community. This service complements the help desk we've dedicated to LGBT+ people. In this way, our municipality is demonstrating its commitment to LGBT+ rights.” Lorenza Bonaccorsi, President of the 1st Municipality, and Claudia Santoloce, Councillor for Equal Opportunities, 1st Municipality, affirm

 

Below are statements from the first users of Refuge Co-Housing LGBT+,

Mario (24-year-old transgender boy):

Being hosted by Refuge Co-Housing LGBT+ is first and foremost a source of reassurance, here I live with the constant anguish of an uncertain future.

I can finally stop drowning in doubts and start believing in my dreams, even small ones, like finding a corner of peace.

A place where I don't always have to think about how to survive, how to protect myself from the people who hurt me so they can feel better about themselves. Here I realized that there are truly people who help me and give me the opportunity to learn for a better future.

And this, for me, is precious.

Refuge LGBT+ also represents a challenge for me: it's an attempt to take control of my life and become independent, despite the difficulties.

 

Jacopo (20 year old gay boy):

For me, Refuge LGBT+ was a second chance at life. At 17, I was a victim of violence and discrimination at home because I was gay, and I felt lost, as if the world had turned its back on me. Entering this family home meant not only having a roof over my head, but above all receiving love, which is the most important thing. Here, I found people who accepted me for who I am and allowed me to grow up without suffering violence or the fear of being judged.

Thanks to the support of Refuge LGBT+, I was able to graduate and now I am continuing to pursue my dreams, thanks to Refuge Co-Housing LGBT+ which allows me to study at university.
Even though I work part-time, I can count on the family home, managing to dedicate many hours to studying, something I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise.

I can be myself, at my own pace, without the pressure of having to prove anything to anyone. Here I've found the freedom to build my future, with love and understanding.