Enbie BookWhat started your nation's queer rights?
For many, it's Stonewall. For others, The Gateway Club. Well, I just found out about Italy's inciting event in the queer space.
On the 31st of October, 1980, two bodies were found in the woods of Giarre, Sicily. They were identified as 15-year-old Toni Galatola, and 25-year-old Giorgio Giammona. In the village, these boys were called 'i ziti' (the boyfriends/fiancés).
The investigation of their deaths was (pardon the pun) rather limp-wristed. The area's sense of "omertà" and the social embarrassment of being linked with a homosexual couple made finding the truth near-on impossible. A child was implicated but his age meant he couldn't face prosecution. His story changed several times also.
This story didn't stay in Sicily. Before long, a queer rights' group was pounding pavement. This changes things slowly, glacially, and with oodles of pushback that continues to this day.
The village of Giarre recently put up a momento of the dead lovers. If anyone can actually find a photo of it, please send it to me.
#LGBTQIA #lgbtactivism #QueerHistory
https://www.linkiesta.it/2022/05/giarre-delitto-giorgio-toni/
Giorgio e Toni | La lapide che ricorderà per sempre le vittime del delitto di Giarre - Linkiesta.it
Il Comune siciliano ha reso omaggio ai due giovani innamorati ritrovati esanimi il 31 ottobre 1980, uccisi per il loro amore. Alla cerimonia hanno partecipato la ministra per le Pari Opportunità Elena Bonetti, il sottosegretario all’Interno Ivan Scalfarotto e Francesco Lepore, autore del libro che ha ricostruito la storia
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