Fashion House sensation, Donatella Versace seemingly called out Italy's efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ peoples rights.
Versace denounced the government actions during Milan Fashion Week as she accepted the Humanitarian Award for Equity and Inclusivity at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards.
“Here in Italy, it has never been more important for us to champion minority voices. Our government is set on taking away the rights of individuals to live as they wish,” Versace said in her speech, which was shared on her Instagram account.
“The freedom to walk down the street with our heads held high and without fear, regardless of identity. The freedom to build a family and live as one wishes. The freedom to love whom one wishes. We all have to fight for freedom.”
She continued: “At a time when transgender people still suffer terrible violence, at a time when children of same-sex couples are not considered their children, at a time when minority voices are being attacked by new laws. At this time, we still have so much to do.”
Donatella reflected on her relationship and love for her late brother Gianni Versace. Gianni created the fashion house giant in 1978 and Donatella took over the company after her brothers tragic murder in 1997.
Upon her memories, the long-time VP recalled how he came out to her when she was just 11 years old.
“For me, that didn’t change anything. I loved him and didn’t care who he loved. His love and encouragement made me who I am,” the style star shared.
While Versace did not mention names, the designer referenced many of the acts at the hands of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the conservative Brothers of Italy party which came to power in October. As a result, the Italian government has backed measures to restrict LGBTQ rights.
In March, the government told the city of Milan to stop automatically recording both parents in same-sex couples on city registers. Meloni’s government heavily promoted legislation that would make it a crime for Italian citizens to try to become parents even in countries where the practice is legal.
The same month, a state prosecutor in northern Italy demanded the cancellation of 33 birth certificates of children born to lesbian couples dating to 2017, saying the names of the nonbiological mothers should be removed.
Have you heard the news?! The Morgan McMichaels X Drag Society Box is officially out! Run to Dragsociety.com to avoid missing out on this fab curation!