Alessio gives a fascinating insight into Italy’s 20th century queer history.
The decriminalisation of homosexuality in Italy happened in the late 19th century. It remained unlawful in many other countries. In consequence Italy became a destination for same sex tourism.
We may think that the phenomenon of “gay for pay” is a new one born out the internet 2.0 and facilitated by today’s social media. But in reality that has only provided a new platform for men who do not identify as gay but offer sexual services to other men for something in return.
Since the late 19th century Italy has had a “gay for pay” culture. Men who did not identify as queer but who had sex with other men for something in return were not stigmatised.
However Italy during the 2nd half of the 1930s was reconceptualising itself, with a series of laws introduced by the state to guarantee racial purity.
Law and action against homosexuals were part of the fascists project of reshaping men and Italian masculinity. In Italy, it was said, “there are only men”. Fascists perceived that homosexuals could contaminate others, children, youth. Gender non-conformity was worse.
Does that sound depressingly familiar?
All of this is fascinating background understanding the perception of homosexuality today, and the varying attitudes across generations.
We loved Alessio’s insight. For those who would like to read more, Alessio has kindly provided the following further reading:
“Ragazzi squillo”, “Ballerini” e “Battoni”. La prostituzione maschile nell’Italia post-Merlin, Alessio Ponzio, Giornale di Storia, 28 December 2020 (in Italian).
Unspeakable Practices Under the Capri Sun, Alessio Ponzio, Notches, 25 May 2021 (in English).
Pride. Italian style. Be Queer. Or not. Just be yourself.
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More | In Italia Sono Tutti Maschi - In Italy there are only men, the story of Puglia’s internment camps for gay men under Mussolini’s fascist regime.
