The event for the Pride at the Trevi Fountain unbeknownst to Minister Giuli: a stunning fact

On June 19, Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain will transform into a vibrant display of color as part of the "Grafica Pride" event organized by the Istituto Centrale per la Grafica (ICG), an entity directly affiliated with Italy’s Ministry of Culture. The initiative has sparked controversy, particularly due to its apparent lack of prior approval from the ministry’s leadership. According to reports, the event—a night dedicated to art, music, and inclusion—was planned without the knowledge of Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli, who expressed surprise upon learning about it. The event aims to bring together diverse audiences, emphasizing themes of freedom of expression and dialogue between cultural heritage and varied publics, with a particular focus on young people under thirty.

The ICG, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for promoting graphic design and visual communication within the country’s cultural institutions. Its director, Fabio De Chirico, previously introduced the concept of “Grafica Pride” during his tenure under former culture minister Dario Franceschini. This year’s event includes performances, discussions, and presentations centered around LGBTQ+ themes, including a talk titled “Love That Doesn’t Dare to Say Its Name,” featuring contributions from individuals such as Ilythia Gothier, a well-known drag queen whose presence has drawn attention given her social media influence and advocacy for gender expression.

Critics have raised concerns over the use of public funds to support such an event, pointing to the financial backing provided to the ICG, which reportedly had an annual budget surplus of approximately €8.3 million in recent years. Pro Vita & Famiglia, an organization advocating for traditional family values, has criticized the event, arguing that it represents an inappropriate use of taxpayer money and reflects a political agenda rather than a purely cultural one. They have called for immediate clarification from Minister Giuli regarding the event’s legitimacy and funding.

Several members of the Council Superior of Cultural Heritage, including Gianfranco Ferroni, Angelo Mellone, and Paolo Corsini, have publicly distanced themselves from the event, expressing their disagreement with its direction. Minister Giuli himself has stated that he finds the initiative inconsistent with his expectations for the work of the ICG, both scientifically and culturally. He emphasized that while he does not intend to censor or suppress the event, he believes that cultural institutions should not serve as platforms for specific ideological messages. Furthermore, he noted his surprise that the event was organized without consulting higher-ranking officials within the ministry, including the head of the Department of Museums and the Chief of Staff.

The event also features a presentation of the book *Musei, Genere e Queerness*, which explores intersections between museums, gender identity, and queer experiences. This academic component adds another layer to the debate, as some argue that such topics are beyond the scope of the ICG’s primary mission. Others, however, view this as an opportunity for cultural institutions to engage more openly with contemporary social issues.

As the date approaches, the situation remains fluid. While the event appears set to proceed as planned, the controversy surrounding it highlights broader tensions between cultural promotion and political ideology. Minister Giuli has indicated that there is an ongoing review process to assess whether the event adheres to procedural guidelines, though he has made it clear that he does not seek to prevent it outright. Meanwhile, the involvement of high-profile figures such as Ilythia Gothier underscores the event’s visibility and potential impact on public perception. As the evening unfolds, the outcome could offer insight into how cultural policies navigate increasingly polarized societal debates.