June means Pride Month. Here’s a list of ways to celebrate, educate and uplift LGBTQIA+ voices around Florence and Tuscany as the city continues its Renaissance acceptance of sexual fluidity.
Events
Toscana Pride 2023
July 8 will see the return of Toscana Pride in Florence. Like every year, Toscana Pride is an exciting event for the queer community to show their pride.
Following the parade, there will be an official Toscana pride party at Limonaia di Villa Strozzi at 8pm. Guests can expect great food, DJ sets and performances. Tickets cost 18 euro so come ready with your hand fans and stolen chanel.
This party is hosted by the non profit Underdogs Srl Societa Benefit, founded by Riccardo Massidda (AKA iconic drag queen Ava Hangar) and Valerio Bellini. Underdogs is commited to giving a safe space to queer artists and providing healthcare to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Still Lives: Florence
Part of the Secret Florence festival, on June 16 Singaporean Daniel Kok and Australian Luke George will dazzle Tenax with their Still Lives: Florence performance/installation inspired by Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabines. Using a cord system based on the Shibari bondage technique, three queer performers will replicate the Loggia dei Lanzi masterpiece alongside pre-recorded video interviews and music. Tickets cost 10 euro.
The Power of Love Kiki Ball
Ballroom culture began as a subculture of the late 20th century created by BIPOC queer people in New York City. Now a worldwide phenomenon, strut your way to The Social Hub for The Power of Love Kiki Ball on June 18. Participants perform ballroom style with a series of runway categories and even a lipsync for your life. Walkers and audience members must sign up in advance (15 euro). Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. To book, email infoball@arcigayfirenze.it
Various Voices Florence Tour
The Various Voices Florence Tour is a show of international queer choir groups being held at Teatro Verdi on June 12. The lineup includes the London Gay Men’s Chorus, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and Qwerty Queer from Odessa, Ukraine.
The Shade Firenze
The Shade Firenze usually takes place every Thursday night throughout the summer at La Limonaia di Villa Strozzi. It’s an experience consisting of deep talks, quiz nights, queer cabaret and the party of all parties, led by drag artist extraordinaire Ava Hangar with Valerio Lefta, Bianca Munera Wutand, Gionatella and Panthera Virus.
Lisetta Carmi
The Lisetta Carmi. Suonare Forte exhibition at Villa Bardini features images the photographer captured during the six years she spent among Genoa’s transgender community (1965-71), who lived in the ex-Jewish ghetto where Carmi herself resided. The photos show the trust she established with her subjects.
Poliritmo slam poetry
On Wednesday June 14 at 7:30pm, head to Ostello Bello Firenze on via Faenza for some slam poetry. Poliritmo is a slam poetry performance about polyamory, non-monogamy, and relational orientations involving LGBTQ+ community. Admission is free and there will be English and French translations throughout so everyone can enjoy the show.
Organizations
Arcigay Firenze
Arcigay Firenze Firenze Altre Sponde is a nonprofit organization for the LGBTQIA+ community. Expect health and counseling resources, advocacy initiatives, and support. Along with being a crucial safe space, they host fun events, such as club nights, gaming afternoons and book clubs.
Azione Gay e Lesbica
The Azione Gay e Lesbica organization is a nonprofit that has been around since 1989. Along with being an expansive support center for the LGBTQIA+ community, they carry an extensive archive of queer documentation from Italy and abroad. They provide legal advice, lectures and charities for the queer community.
IREOS
IREOS is a volunteer association that began in 1997. Their main focus is on the betterment of health, wellness and culture for the queer community in Florence and Tuscany.
Choreos
Choreos is an LGBTQIA+ choral ensemble and social promotion association in Florence, which was established within IREOS in 2018. The choir meets every Thursday at 9pm at Circolo XXV Aprile (via Bronzino 117).
Nightlife
If you’re looking for a night of fun and good company, look no further than Queer Bar. Nestled just behind piazza Santa Croce is this quaint but energetic bar. Well priced drinks and inexhaustible beats make for a night of nonstop dancing with great company. Piccolo Cafe is another Florentine institution for queer nightlife. Small but mighty, this well decorated hotpost is known for strong drinks and great music.
Hotlines
A list of international queer focused hotlines for those anyone in need of support
THRIVE Lifeline: text “THRIVE” to +1.313.662.8209 anytime, anywhere.
TREVOR Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 TREVORtext: Text the word START to 678678
