π Our activities
Arcigay Varese APS
We are the Arcigay territorial committee active in the province of Varese. We promote the rights of LGBTQIA+ people, build spaces for listening, solidarity and visibility, and fight every day against all forms of discrimination.
π Varese Pride
Every year we organize Varese Pride, the main LGBTQIA+ event in the province, with thousands of participants and the support of institutional and private entities.
The event spans a week, with cultural gatherings, talks, events and social time.
π Rainbow Center
Since 2022, we have operated the first LGBTQIA+ anti-discrimination center in the province of Varese.
We offer free psychological, legal, and social support to those experiencing discrimination related to sexual orientation or gender identity.
π Contact us β Rainbow Center
π‘ Projects and initiatives implemented
π§ Active Listening Rainbow
π 2021-2022 | Varese Community Foundation
Digital and in-person service for listening and supporting LGBTQIA+ people.
π« Rainbow Space
π 2022-2023 | Varesotto Community Foundation
Mutual help spaces for LGBTQIA+ people and parents, supported by professional counselorsΙ.
π« Schools against discrimination.
π 2023 | Municipality of Saronno
Awareness-raising activities in schools on sexual orientation and gender identity.
π£ Not just a letter
π 2023 | UNAR - Presidency of the Council of Ministers | PON Inclusion
Communication campaign to counter discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people.
π³οΈββ§οΈ Connections that matter
π 2024-2025 | Waldensian Church - Eight Per Thousand
Project against gender-based violence against the LGBTQIA+ community.
𧩠A Bridge to Change
π 2024-2025 | Cariplo Foundation
Organizational development and economic sustainability for the association's future.
πͺπΊ LOAD - Lobby and Advocacy
π 2024-2025 | ActionAid & Foundation Realize Change - THE CARE call | Co-funded by the European Union
Advocacy action for LGBTQIA+ rights in the provinces of Varese and Como.
π Activities during the year
- π International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
- π Coming Out Day
- β€οΈ World AIDS Day
- π Sports activities, social gatherings, courses for members.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION CENTER
In 2021, we opened the first anti-discrimination center for sexual orientation and gender identity, which is located in Varese in the Lower Biumo district, thanks to funding from UNAR - National Antidiscrimination Racial Office - Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the European Social Fund through the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.
The Rainbow Center welcomes victims of discrimination free of charge and provides support, listening and guidance to the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as legal and psychological assistance.
SCHOOL
Arcigay Varese reaches thousands of students each year on the issues of homophobic bullying and LGBTQIA+ issues
It conducts many activities in schools in the region to promote inclusion and respect for all people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Among the activities offered are informational meetings with students on issues related to homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination in general, as well as training and awareness-raising moments for teachers and school staff, as well as families. Playful activities and workshops on LGBTQI+ issues are organized to foster the inclusion of children and youth, but also to convey the values of tolerance and respect that the association promotes.
We also promote routes agreed upon with schools in the PCTO routes.
D&I, LABOR AND TRAINING
Arcigay Varese offers companies in the area customized training paths dedicated to the themes of diversity, equity and inclusion (Diversity & Inclusion).
Our courses aim to promote work environments that are more welcoming, aware and respectful of differences related to sexual orientation, gender identity and beyond.
Through interactive sessions, face-to-face moments and real-life testimonials, we help staff develop soft skills and greater sensitivity to diversity dynamics.
Activities are designed to actively engage HR teams, leadership, and cross-functional groups.
We believe that a more inclusive company is also a company that is more ethical, competitive and able to attract talent.
YOUNG PEOPLE
The youth group of Arcigay Varese gathers people under 35 from Varese and province.
Provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people to meet and socialize.
AWARENESS AND PRIDE
Visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community is critical because it helps combat homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Through visibility, people can see that there are individuals who are proud of who they are, and that there is nothing wrong with loving someone of the same sex or being themselvesΠ·. Visibility also allows people to discover that there are resources and supportive communities for those who are facing difficulties related to sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, visibility helps society become more inclusive and accepting, because when people see others who are different from them accepted and respected, they can become more tolerant and understanding. Finally, visibility is important because it promotes social and political change by pushing for the creation of laws and policies that protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is why we organize events such as the Varese Pride, which draw thousands of people, or we organize symbolic initiatives. We have inaugurated several rainbow benches and in Varese there is a plaque dedicated to the people dedicated to the pink triangles who were persecuted by the Nazifascists.
Sociality and fun
Getting to know each other and having fun allows you to connect with people in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Therefore, we organize socializing events and parties.
health
We organize activities on sexual health and psychological well-being, such as HIV testing, sexually transmitted infections.