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Chris Steckler

Global Rome: Global Cities


Local, Global, or Both? LGBTQ+ Culture of Rome

When you hear the words gay and Rome together, what is your first thought? Most

people picture bathhouses and a type of brotherly love far removed from Philadelphia. For

better or worse, these concepts are not the case today. Despite historical depictions of

homosexuality in ancient Rome, Romes LGBTQ+ community at present finds itself

characterized by social otherness and political activism. The noticeable presence of Romes Gay

Street, Roma Pride, and Arcigay Roma promotes acceptance and equal treatment of people who

identify as being of minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Romes LGBTQ+ culture

influences and is influenced by the social and political aspects of the global LGBTQ+ culture,

supporting the categorization of Rome as a global city.

To begin, lets define the complex elements at play. What is a global city? According to

Saskia Sassen, global cities are centers for mass economies and the production of goods and

services fueling this economy (29). But what influence does the strength of a citys LGBTQ+

culture have on a citys economy? Clearly, a citys LGBTQ+ individuals are unable to contribute

to their full potential when they are preoccupied by pressure to fit in with the majority. In a world

where sex is often a taboo topic, it may seem more attractive to frame sexual orientation as a

qualifier of love and belonging needs, but sexual orientation is primarily concerned with a

physiological need for sexual release (Maslow). This holds true for most people, excepting those

who identify as asexual. While the effects of the conflict between sex negativity and a healthy

libido are felt by the population at large, LGB individuals face increased pressure to limit both

displays of affection (e.g. hugging, kissing) and relationship status viewed more laxly when

shared between heterosexual people. In organizations, behaving in a certain way to hide

elements of our authentic selves in an effort to fit in with the dominate culture is referred to as
Chris Steckler
Global Rome: Global Cities
covering (Hansen). Similarly, people are often encouraged by others, even in relatively liberal

cities, to cover their gender identity if they are transgender (used here as a blanket term for all

minority gender identities that are either not cisgender or do not fit the gender binary).

Transgender gender identities include male-to-female, female-to-male, genderqueer, and gender-

fluid, among others. By encouraging people to cover sexual orientation and gender identity

(a.k.a. SOGI), cities are playing an active role in decreasing their own productivity. In addition to

coverings social justice aspect, there have also been findings linking decreased covering to

increased productivity due to this change in energy allocation (Yoshino & Smith). One survey

respondent stated that covering takes energy that I would rather give to my job, while another

noted that the energy I put into trying to behave different than who I am drained my energy

(Yoshino & Smith). When people who were previously covering are inspired to live openly by

the welcoming environment of a strong LGBTQ+ community, their productivity and quality of

life both improve.

Globally, the LGBTQ+ community is distinctive in its composition; members are bonded

by common (often not visible) elements of identity regarding minority SOGI. Due to the sexual

orientation component, the LGBTQ+ community has a social aspect that often facilitates sexual

activity between members, most frequently run by and for men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM).

These social centers often exist in the form of clubs, bars, or saunas. Similarly, the gender

identity element often influences the social elements of the community that may be characterized

as flamboyant by promoting an alternative to the Golden Rule: treat others the way they want

to be treated (Marrazzo). While there are gay bars and clubs scattered throughout Rome, the

main social hub of LGBTQ+ culture is the area officially known as Romes Gay Street

flanking the western side of the Colosseum (Marrazzo). The gay in is title reveals the
Chris Steckler
Global Rome: Global Cities
predominantly homosexual male population that frequent its establishments, which include a

gay-friendly boutique hotel and gay bars Coming Out and My Bar. Both bars are enjoyed by

people of all sexual orientations and gender identity, but LGBTQ+ individuals are more

commonly found here during the evenings and on weekends (Marrazzo).

During LGBT Pride Month (internationally recognized as June), LGBTQ+ culture is

celebrated with parades and festivals. Romes Pride Festival, held annually since 1994, is both a

social celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and a political call-to-action on behalf of LGBTQ+ rights

(Patane). The 2000 World Pride, arranged by Italian LGBTQ+ rights organization Circolo Mario

Mieli, was held in Rome on July 8 (Patane). Rome was selected for this honor so that the 2000

World Pride could serve as an anti-Catholic event in response to the 2000 Jubilee (Marrazzo).

During the 2000 World Pride, much of the programming was centered on the rivalry between the

LGBTQ+ communitys and the Catholic Church. While having a common enemy may have

united the LGBTQ+ community at the time, these offensive tactics made allyship a more difficult

undertaking. Potential Catholic allies may have felt that they were faced with a choice between

their religion and supporting equal rights. However, the popular same love messaging

currently used most widely to advocate for SOGI equality has made allyship reconcilable with

religion. The 2015 Roma Pride Festival (the most recent at time of writing) saw daily debates

on LBTQI [I for intersex] issues, with speakers and guests from the institutional, social and

cultural [perspectives], musical performances and theatrical shows and entertainment taking

place from 6:00 PM to midnight (Roma Pride 2015). The concept of gay family was frequently

present in promotional materials, tapping into the messaging that has played a role in assuring

equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals in other countries both in the EU and worldwide (Rome

Pride 2015). While Roma Pride offers LGBTQ+ individuals a supportive environment to discuss
Chris Steckler
Global Rome: Global Cities
issues that affect their community, anyone who attends this Pride can gain insight on LGBTQ+

culture through educational programming and general immersion.

Roma Pride finds its main festival, Pride Park, located in areas occupied by Testaccios

former slaughterhouse, Largo Dino Frisullo, and Lungotevere Testaccio (Roma Pride 2015).

Events in Pride Park include concerts, organization booths, and dancing, activities not unique to

Roma Pride but rather based on the global LGBTQ+ community. In the same vein, the

appearance of Roma Pride is strongly influenced by the rainbow color scheme that has come to

represent the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. Events incorporate Romes unique culture (e.g.

distributing rainbow-tinged photos of the Colosseum, parade marchers dressed in gladiator

costumes), but the majority of imagery taps into the worldwide LGBTQ+ culture by referencing

LGBTQ+ icons and history from other countries, such as the United States Harvey Milk.

Events, including concerts and parties, visually prioritize aesthetics over functionality by

occupying a significant amount of space and utilizing bright colors to draw attention to the

sociopolitical statements being made through celebration and solidarity. Roma Pride is followed

by Romes annual summer gay festival Gay Village, which takes place from June to September

in Parco del Ninfeo (Marrazzo). Gay Village has less of an element of activism than Roma Pride

does, but it provides a locale for facilitating social connection between members of the LGBTQ+

community. And the sheer reminder that LGBTQ+ individuals exist in Rome, as seen in the Gay

Villages sensual and eye-catching advertising campaign, plays a large part in keeping equal

rights issues in the public consciousness.

Politically, Rome is at somewhat of a standstill due to the influence of Catholic Church.

Italy legalized same-sex sexual activity over a century ago (in 1890), but it only began

registering civil unions in January 2015 (Vogt). Other than the recent recognition of civil unions
Chris Steckler
Global Rome: Global Cities
established in foreign countries, Italys legal protection of LGBTQ+ individuals is limited to

matters of discrimination regarding employment (Vogt). By contrast, marriage between same-sex

couples is legal in the majority of countries in the EU (Vogt). Arcigay Roma, founded in the

1980s and currently located in Testaccio, is the Rome center for Italys foremost national gay

rights organization (Patane). Arcigay Roma assists not only in advocating for equal rights but in

arranging couples counseling, providing free counseling through the internet, SMS, or phone

calls with the Gay Helpline, supporting victims of hate crimes by connecting them with shelter

houses, and hosting events and support groups.

Originally united in 1985, Arcigay is Italys first and largest national LGBTQ+ non-profit

organization, with dozens of centers nationwide (Patane). The first Arcigay Center was founded

in Palermo on December 9, 1980, two months after the suicides of a young gay couple in Giarre

who had been discriminated against for their relationship (Patane). Today, Arcigay acts as an

umbrella organization for over 100 political, cultural, and recreational establishments in Italy

(Patane). To support Arcigay, some affiliated establishments (e.g. clubs or bars) require

customers to purchase an Archigay card (Patane). Customers are given the choice between an

annual card (15 euros) and a monthly card (8 euros), with a portion of the funds received from

this purchase going toward the funding the administration of Italys National Arcigay

Headquarters in Bologna (Marrazzo).

Arcigay Roma has been active since the late 1980s, focusing primarily on fighting

homophobia and campaigning for equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals in Italy through

community-building and activist events (Patane). Despite its beginnings as a group for gay men,

Arcigay Roma combined with Arcilesbian Roma and other Rome LGBTQ+ organizations in

2008 (Marrazzo). It has been located in Testaccio since April 2011 (Rome, Testaccio was born
Chris Steckler
Global Rome: Global Cities
on Gay Center multipurpose facility will be inaugurated in April). According to Fabrizio

Marrazzo (current spokesman and past president of Arcigay Roma), the Center supports victims

of hate crimes, arranges social and educational events for the community, plans displays of

activism, offers HIV and syphilis testing, hosts support groups, and provides information through

its Gay Helpline (800 713 713). Additionally, Arcigay Roma connects LGBTQ+ youth and

refugees with shelter houses through a contract with the local police, who support the LGBTQ+

community (Marrazzo). Specific information on support group meeting times and Gay Helpline

volunteer training sessions is available on the Arcigay Roma website.

Arcigay Roma is currently located in a two-story office building. On the main floor, you

will find the help desk, lobby, administrative office, and Gay Helpline Call Center. In the

basement, there is a large meeting space, library, and testing rooms. Posters and cardboard

cutouts for LGBTQ+-themed icons and films, including Pride and Milk, are scattered throughout

both floors. Other than speaking the Italian language, none of the Centers elements are

distinctively Italian, as further evidenced by the Centers garden being dedicated to Harvey Milk.

Harvey Milk is also represented by a bust (one of twelve in the world and the only one in

Europe) in the library. Arcigay Romas design prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, which is

relatively uncommon for an LGBTQ+ establishment. Generally, the LGBTQ+ community

utilizes a flamboyant art style to attract eyes and combat marginalization. However, Arcigay

Roma uses relatively plain colors for the most part because it currently serves as a semi-private

meeting place for people of sexual orientation and/or gender identity minorities and allies.

Despite its admirable efforts to achieve acceptance, Arcigay Roma has faced many

challenges, ranging from political backlash from Catholic Church leaders to structural challenges

within its building (Marrazzo). To make things worse, a pipe burst in Arcigay Roma in April
Chris Steckler
Global Rome: Global Cities
2015 that did significant damage to its facilities, with most of the damage affecting its LGBTQ+

history library (Rome, Testaccio 'flooded' for broken pipe. Gay Center serious damage to our

headquarters"). Arcigay Roma is currently operating at a very influential time in LGBTQ+

history, and both LGBTQ+ individuals and allies have the unique opportunity to spread

awareness about these important and relevant issues when equal rights are being granted at a

faster rate than ever before worldwide.

For the benefit of Romes LGBTQ+ culture and by effect its economy, Rome should

focus on securing a higher degree of legal protection for LGBTQ+ people in Italy. Once

LGBTQ+ individuals are legally treated as equal to heterosexual individuals, Romes LGBTQ+

community will feel empowered to expand its visibility within the city and beyond. By speaking

with Fabrizio Marazzo (past president and current spokesman of Arcigay Roma), I learned that

most of Romes political activism is centered on fighting homophobia through educational

programming about LGBTQ+ issues. This seems to be the goal of the European Union at large as

well, evidenced by the production of the Voice OUT! Program. This program was constructed by

the EUs NISO Project, consisting of LGBTQ+ organizations from Belgium, Estonia, Italy, and

the Netherlands (NISO Project). While fighting homophobia (and the often-overlooked

transphobia) is a worthy cause, increasing Romes tolerance would be better achieved by

campaigning for more legal protections and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals in Italy. When the

law treats the minority group in the same way it treats the majority group, homophobia loses its

basis in legislation and becomes easier to fight in a purely social sense. When homophobia exerts

less influence on the publics perception of its LGBTQ+ community, Rome can continue to

cultivate its own LGBTQ+ culture and play a more prominent role in the global LGBTQ+

culture.
Chris Steckler
Global Rome: Global Cities
The global LGBTQ+ culture is most frequently represented by (and often most accessible

to) white gay cisgender males, and Romes LGBTQ+ culture is no different, as evidenced in its

most basic form by the use of the word gay in Gay Street and Arcigay Roma. Some may argue

that this tendency is due to a larger percentage of white gay cisgender males than other members

in this community, but a minority is a minority. Representation of intersectionality is necessary

for the advancement of equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, as authenticity requires that one is

able to self-identify and present oneself in the manner that coincides with their true self. For

people to understand who they are, they need to know who they could be.
Chris Steckler
Global Rome: Global Cities

Works Cited

Arcigay Roma. "Gay Center: Gay and Lesbian Center." Gay Center. Arcigay Roma, 2015. Web.

6 Aug. 2015.

Florida, Richard, Karen King, and Charlotta Mellander. Rome. MPI, 2014. PDF file. 6 Aug.

2015.

Marrazzo, Fabrizio. "Interview with Fabrizio Marrazzo." Personal interview. 17 July 2015.

Maslow, A. H. "A Theory of Human Motivation." Classics in the History of Psychology. York

University, Aug. 2000. Web. 8 Aug. 2015.

NISO Project. Voice OUT Toolkit. Rome: Province of Rome, 2012. Print.

Patane, Paul. "Arcigay in English." Arcigay. Arcigay, 29 Jan. 2002. Web. 20 July 2015.

Roma East Magazine. "Rome, Testaccio Was Born on Gay Center Multipurpose Facility Will Be

Inaugurated in April." Roma East Magazine. Roma East Magazine, 19 Feb. 2011. Web.

20 July 2015.

Roma Pride 2015. "Roma Pride 2015." Roma Pride. Roma Pride 2015, 2015. Web. 20 July 2015.

"Rome, Testaccio 'flooded' for Broken Pipe. Gay Center 'serious Damage to Our Headquarters'"

AdnKronos. AdnKronos, 5 Apr. 2015. Web. 20 July 2015.

Sassen, Saskia. "The Global City: Introducing a Concept." The Brown Journal of World Affairs

11.2 (2005): 27-43. Print.

Vogt, Andrea. "'We're Next' Says Italy after Irish Gay Marriage Vote." The Telegraph. Telegraph

Media Group, 24 May 2015. Web. 20 July 2015.

Yoshino, Kenji, and Christie Smith. "Uncovering Talent: A New Model of Inclusion." Deloitte

(2014): n. pag. Deloitte. 6 Dec. 2013. Web. 6 Aug. 2015.

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