Italian politician comes out as gay on live TV: ‘I feel free’
Former government minister Vincenzo Spadafora said he felt a "responsibility" to be open about his sexuality
Vincenzo Spadafora, an Italian lawmaker and former government minister, came out as gay over the weekend during a live television appearance.
Spadafora, a member of the populist, anti-establishment Movimento 5 Stelle (MS5) party, appeared on Rai 3 talk show Che Tempo Che Fa on Nov. 7.
While promoting his upcoming book, the 47-year-old said he had a responsibility to be public about his sexuality.
“I think that people’s private lives should remain that way, but I also think those with a public role, a political role like mine have some more responsibility,” Spadafora said.
“And I did it for myself too, because I learned perhaps too late that it is important to love and respect each other.”
Spadafora said one of his reasons for opting to come out was “very political, to testify to my political commitment, for all those who fight for their rights every day and have less opportunity to do so than I have thanks to my role.”
He also wanted to show that, as a Catholic, his sexuality wasn’t “in contradiction” with his religious beliefs. However, he expects backlash from many in Italy for that contention.
Spadafora also expects backlash generally for coming out publicly, making him one of few prominent Italian lawmakers to do so.
“In politics, homosexuality is used to hurt, to attack an opponent, something I now want to avoid,” he said.
“I hope to be considered for what I do, for what I am, and from tomorrow on maybe I’ll be happier because I feel freer.”
"Chi ha un ruolo pubblico politico come il mio in questo momento ha delle responsabilità in più. Ho imparato forse troppo tardi che è importante volersi bene e rispettarsi. Volevo anche spegnere questo brusio, da domani sarò felice perché più libero" @vinspadafora a #CTCF pic.twitter.com/yKmtHvPTlZ
— Che Tempo Che Fa (@chetempochefa) November 7, 2021
Spadafora’s announcement comes after the Italian senate last month rejected a bill that would have criminalized violence against LGBTQ people, following opposition from far-right politicians and the Vatican.
LGBTQ rights are something of a mixed bag in Italy. Gay people are allowed to serve openly in the military and can form civil unions, while transgender people can legally change their gender.
However, same-sex marriage is still illegal, unlike many of Italy’s European neighbors, and while LGBTQ people are protected against employment discrimination they are afforded no other national legal protections — although a few regional nondiscrimination laws exist.
Read More:
Gay soccer player Josh Cavallo would be ‘scared’ to play at World Cup in anti-gay Qatar
Bulgarian presidential candidate arrested after leading attack on LGBTQ center
Log Cabin Republicans claim gays “love” Melania Trump in painful video
Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
