After the school in via A. Mauri defaced with the words “Fr**i”, , in the Municipio III, now it's also the turn of the Rainbow bench with the Gay Help Line 800 713 713 sign that was vandalized at Parco delle Valli (Also in Municipio III). The bench was painted on May 17, 2025, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, in collaboration with Municipio III and the Municipio III LGBTQIA+ help desk, managed by the Gay Center. Gay Center volunteers created the Rainbow bench with a plaque for the Gay Help Line toll-free number 800 713 713 as a symbol of visibility and protection of the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.
Just five months later, the rainbow colors have been covered in hate speech, revealing an intolerant ideology with religious references. The bench will be inaugurated again on Thursday 30 October at 11:00 am at the Valli park
“An organized and violent act. A deliberate erasure. A homophobic and transphobic intimidation attack. In the same park where Paolo Seganti was killed 20 years ago, for the same reasons of homophobic hatred. This incident gave rise to the Gay Help Line, 800713713, a contact center against homophobia. We responded by refusing to be intimidated and by repainting the same bench in the colors of the rainbow. We are also evaluating further action with the City Council and the municipal administration.” declares Alessandra Rossi Coordinator of the Gay Help Line Service 800 713 713
“"As an administration, we immediately took action and will be there to defend all LGBTQIA+ people who are daily targeted by the same hatred. We are a bastion of civilization, tolerance, and humanity."” declares Paolo Marchionne, President of the Third Municipality of Rome