Villa Castelli Pride advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and community safety

The third edition of the Villa Castelli Pride took place on September 12 at the Parco Madre Teresa di Calcutta. Organized by the association Villa Castelli On Line APS and supported by the local municipality, the event aimed to provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and advocate for civil rights.

Carmela Biondi, president of the organizing association, emphasized the political necessity of the event, noting that rights are not permanently secured and must be continuously defended through an intersectional approach. Micaela De Marco, vice president of Villa Castelli On Line, highlighted the importance of activism within provincial territories to transform privileges into universal protections.

The event also fostered a network of associations across the provinces of Brindisi, Taranto, and Lecce. Organizers stressed the link between community support and mental health, citing research that indicates family and community acceptance significantly reduces suicide risks among young LGBTQIA+ individuals.