«Love is one of the simplest and most profound forms of freedom. Loving who you love. Live what you are, respecting yourself and others. Pride, now in its fifth edition, is a moment of celebration, but also an opportunity to remind us that being free means being able to be yourself, without fear. It’s a message that concerns everyone. Respect for people, their choices and their differences makes a stronger community and a freer city. Messina wants to continue to be a city where everyone can feel free to live, express themselves and love.” Federico Basile’s words were liked by a large part of the city but they also aroused reactions from the usual “haters” who filled the mayor’s social media pages with insults and unspeakable comments. A hornet’s nest of controversy arose, even if Basile himself, during the colorful procession on Saturday, said that he absolutely did not care about the “keyboard lions”. «Slave of this lobby, at least get some votes after you have sponsored them (with our money). But aren’t you ashamed?”. «It’s disgusting. Remember that you must give an account to God.” “Put an end to this nonsense.” “Those buffoons you sponsor, it’s shameful.” «Every year the same circus». “Carnival…”. And many more.
In truth, there are many with the opposite tenor. «I am happy that the mayor of my city respects every form of freedom. Where there is love there will never be hate. Excellent!”. «Well done, Mr. Mayor. I read certain comments that denote a disheartening level of ignorance and backwardness.” «Everyone must be free to love who they love. Well done mayor.” «Still on the witch hunt? The world has evolved, but from what I see many of you have remained in the Middle Ages, and it is precisely because of your ignorant comments that Pride is needed.”
The offenses against the mayor and councilor Liana Cannata, who has always been at the forefront for the protection of civil rights, also become a political case. Full “bipartisan” solidarity comes from the center-left, with PD councilor Alessandro Russo in the lead. «Pride confirms itself as a fundamental stage for anyone who wants to claim a fairer and more equal society – says Russo -. A collective political moment that is now essential for those who pursue a society that recognizes equal rights for all individuals and allows equal opportunities. It is neither the “carnival” that we read about on social media, nor the moment of mere fun that is insulted and attacked with unprecedented and absolutely unacceptable verbal violence, but rather that public demonstration open to anyone without distinction, in which a platform of rights is claimed to be recognized to the many minorities in our society. It is therefore not just about homosexual people or those who experience their own different gender sensitivities, but about all minorities who suffer from their condition of minority, from being on the margins, from being the object of physical and verbal violence. This applies to women who are subjected to abuse and violence. This applies to those who suffer any type of racism and marginalization. In light of this, the choice of the municipal administration is absolutely acceptable, as this year too it has joined the Pride programmatic platform, actively supporting it, as do many other administrations throughout Italy and around the world. The gratuitous attacks against the citizens and all the representatives of the institutions who took to the field yesterday at the demonstration are an expression of a subculture of violence, arrogance and oppression. Anyone who takes to the field and participates in Pride intends to build a better society. This is why the disgusting and inhuman insults that are being read in these hours are not good for our city. To its culture and its historic tradition of inclusion and tolerance.”
