American LGBTQ PRIDE in the Eternal City
Update: a donor has agreed to make a matching gift of €2250 if we raise the other €2250 by May 24th -- Please help us meet this goal!
As Americans who fully support our LGBTQ brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, neighbors, colleagues, friends and children, this is your chance to do something about it. This is our chance to show our Italian and international friends what real American values look like.
My aim is to fund a U.S.A. Pride float at ROMA PRIDE 2019 (June 8th), the total cost of which is €4,500. The float will be constructed by volunteers at Roma Pride (with the Circolo di Cultura Omosessuale Mario Mieli), and the €4,500 covers the cost of the flatbed truck, driver, decorations, sound system and DJ.
Who am I?
For those of you who don't know me, I am a dual US-Italian citizen, born and raised in Massachusetts and living in Italy for the last 16 years. I am an ally of the LGBTQ community, and I feel strongly that allies need to raise their voices.
Why am I doing this fundraiser?
Just as men have supported women's rights and the Women's March, white activists supported the Civil Rights movement and continue to support Black Lives Matter, I am taking action as an ally to add my voice and rally others behind the LGBTQ community.
As an American, I was saddened by our lack of representation at ROMA PRIDE 2018, made all the more apparent next to the powerful presence of the Canadian and UK Embassies and their fantastic parade floats.
As the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, and the 25th anniversary of Rome Pride, 2019 is a historical milestone that deserves loud and enthusiastic celebration.
But most importantly, our LGBTQ community is under attack by politicians in both the U.S. and in Italy (and elsewhere), and their hard-won rights are at risk due to intolerance, fear-mongering and populist rhetoric. I want to show that the majority of Americans are here, ready to fight alongside them no matter what it takes.
I want to show that our voices of love and support can rise above those of hate.
I can't do this on my own -- I need your help. Anything you can give to move us closer to our goal will be greatly appreciated.
What happens if we do not reach our goal for the parade float?
I am going to dedicate the funds we do receive, short of €4500, to creating a banner, T-shirts, flags and other materials, so that our group's presence will be loud and clear. Any monies not used specifically for this purpose will be donated to the Roma Pride charity, which funds cultural activities, LGBTQ health and mental wellness, legal assistance and other essential services for the LGBTQ community.
I will update everyone on how the money was spent, along with photos and videos from the day of the parade.
JUNE 8th - 4PM - Piazza della Repubblica - Rome
Whether or not you are able to donate, please come join us at Pride on June 8th and dance along with our float. It's going to be unforgettable!
And if you can't make it yourself, send us your message of support and we will display it proudly.
