Naples is the first city in southern Italy to open a facility exclusively devoted to hosting migrants and refugees who are part of the LGBTQI+ community.

Casa Arcobaleno (Rainbow House), located in the district of San Giovanni a Teduccio, will be managed by the association Arci Mediterraneo, which has worked for years to promote human rights and social inclusion and is part of the national SAI program (Hosting and integration system), coordinated by the central service of the Italian municipalities' association ANCI and by the interior ministry with the aim of supporting asylum seekers and refugees.

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'Diversity is a value here,' says mayor

"Naples established itself as a city of diversity", said the mayor of Naples and president of the National association of Italian municipalities ANCI, Gaetano Manfredi. "Many of the migrants come from countries in which diversity is discriminated against, condemned, leading to potential jail terms. So, I think that the possibility of having a hosting place, where rights are respected and there are processes for inclusion for members of the LGBTQI+ community is a beatiful thing and it appears natural to do so in Naples, which has always considered diversity as a value," he added.

Casa Arcobaleno can host up to six people, refugees and asylum seekers who will find protection and services devoted to them including psychological, legal and educational assistance with tailor-made programs aimed at promoting their autonomy and integration into society.

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Respect for minorities and their civil rights

"This facility highlights ANCI's great sensibility not only towards migrants but also for all minorities and their civil rights," stressed Mariano Anniciello, CEO of Arci Mediterraneo.

One of the welfare councillors, Luca Trapanese added, "in this facility, we offer migrants or refugees from the LGBTQI+ community protection and respect for their frailty and their diversity. I am obviously proud because this issue concerns me personally. Naples is the first, once again, with respect to the theme of diversity."

The presentation was also attended by Antonello Sannino, president of Arcigay Napoli, who described the opening of the home as a demonstration of the "important act of civility which once again comes from our city and the South."

Equal opportunities councillor, Emanuela Ferrante, stressed how Casa Arcobaleno sends "an important message. We are also sending to the government: Naples continues to set the example in these battles."