“Italy is a very conservative country, and they are scared by the fact that someone can wear makeup, wear high heels, appear half-naked or not be straight. But damn…” He photographed Victoria DeAngelis from the pages Guardian Italy’s Bourbon take on the Maneskins, who, despite their international success, continue to attract a percentage of dissenters, especially from the more traditionalist marginals. If Gen Z has always praised the variability of the Roman group finding themselves in messages and values, a hidden disapproval of what they convey and represent is still present, fueled by a social and political context that does not always embrace diversity and inclusiveness. Victoria De Angelis is back in talks with A big problem about the challenges he faced as an open queer in Italy.
From day one, the Maneskins have used their media power to publicly support the LGBTQIA+ community. of which its two components, Ethan and Victoria, are part. The rosy messages are a constant at their concerts or TV performances (“Love is never wrong” Damiano’s shouting out against Poland’s institutional homotransphobia during a concert has gone down in history). Vic has spoken about this several times, always from personal experience. “When I first felt feelings and attraction for a girl, it was a little confusing, because I never had the courage to go beyond the restrictions that I put on myself,” the 23-year-old guy said, entrusted to him. Vanity Fair in June 2021: “For society, heterosexuality is the norm, and therefore often a person automatically classifies himself in this way, depriving himself of the freedom to experience many different nuances and facets of love. my sexuality is very natural and free, as it should be possible for everyone.”
Interviewed A big problem, Victoria today confirmed across the board. “I remember when I first started dating girls, I felt like people were really looking at me. These things can really make you uncomfortable, even if it doesn’t matter much compared to what other people are going through,” she explained. – I want only this. this may be completely normal. Italy is still a very conservative country.. It is a very Catholic state, and for this reason, many people still believe that being homosexual is a sin.”
There is hope that new generations will “open” their minds to others, taking them into the spirit of the times. “They can learn to be more respectful and tolerant of people with their own sexuality. I think this is a process that is starting now in Italy, but it will still take time.” De Angelis then concluded with a message of freedom, tolerance and inclusiveness: “We would therefore really like to live in a more respectful world where everyone can be safe and able to be who I am without having to face racism, homophobia, misogyny or violence.” of any kind,” he said, then explaining Maneskin’s mission, “we want to spread the message that we find the courage to be ourselves, but also to make people understand the fucking idiots, to stop being fucking, you know?”. Very clear.
Source: Elle