Dear friends –
Earlier this year, the World Congress of Families, one of the most powerful anti-LGBT+ groups, held their annual conference here in Italy.
Our right-wing government welcomed them with open arms, including speakers who compared homosexuality to a "contagious plague" and "satanism."
I hate to say it, but I wasn't surprised.
Fascism has been on the rise again across Italy and Europe. Groups like the WCF see this kind of hatred and discrimination, and swoop in to fuel it even more.
And it's working. According to our partners at Arcigay, reported violent attacks against LGBT+ people in Italy increased by 57% this year.
This is an emergency. Hatred is being fueled and people are being attacked. We can't afford to stop fighting for the protection of LGBT+ lives.
All Out members couldn't just stand by and watch the WCF spread their vile hatred. We had to drown out their message with our own message of love!
Tens of thousands of us petitioned the government, took to the streets, and projected giant messages of love all over the city. The conference went on, but our message was heard loud and clear:
LGBT+ people are NOT sick. We are NOT condemned. And we ARE worthy of love.
I was so relieved that we outnumbered the WCF and their friends in Italy. But they aren't done spreading hate. Their big funders in Russia and the US are keeping the money flowing.
Just a few weeks ago, they convened in Ghana, spreading colonial messages of homophobia, transphobia, and misogyny. We don't know where they're heading in 2020, but with enough support, we can be ready. Lives depend on it.
Thanks for going All Out,
Yuri Guaiana
Senior Campaigns Manager in Italy, All Out
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