We’re at the end of June, and over the past few weeks, sections across the network have been actively working to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and promote the advancement of civil rights. Today, we’re going to explore what ESN Italy is planning for this special month. Joining us is Federico Beppato, board member of ESN Milano-Bicocca and organiser of last year’s ESN Italy initiative.
A – Hi Federico!
F – Hi! Happy to be here.
A – Let’s get straight into it. What is ESN Italy planning for Pride Month this year?
F – This year, ESN Italy will be taking part in Milano Pride 2025. It’s quite similar to what we did last year, but of course, we’ve improved based on our previous experience. We’ve arranged services for a truck, a sound system, and a DJ. We’ve also got flags ready. We’re inviting all sections from the National Organisation (NO), including both volunteers and exchange students, to enjoy this event together. The six sections from Milan have organised a sign-making event the night before at a local bar. All the information on how to participate can be found on ESN Italy’s Instagram page!
A – As you mentioned, this isn’t the first time ESN Italy has participated in the Pride Parade. What can you tell us about last year’s edition?
F – Last year marked our very first participation—the first time the NO officially registered for the parade and joined with a truck. Two years ago, actually, the Milan sections started involving volunteers and exchange students with a round table discussion ahead of the parade. We hosted Rainbow Families (Famiglie Arcobaleno) who shared their experiences as same-sex couples and as children of those couples, sparking a wider discussion about rights. Then, the following year, there was a big shift, and the entire Italian network got involved.
Since it was our first time, we had to establish the right contacts. I was one of the local points of contact in Milan, and I mainly acted as a liaison between ESN Italy, the Milan sections, and the artists. Our main goals were to rent a truck, arrange accommodation for volunteers, and find sponsors to support us. Our main sponsor last year was Spotahome, which covered the event registration fee and provided us with some gadgets. The collaboration was a success, and Spotahome has confirmed their support again this year. At the Second National Platform in June 2024, we invited the entire Italian network to take part in the event!
A – What kind of message did ESN Italy hope to send by being present at Pride? And what about you, personally?
F – We wanted to show how our association promotes core values such as inclusion—not only across different cultures, but for all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Personally, it was important for me to bring together the two worlds I belong to. My goal was to bring the association I’ve been involved in as an adult to Milano Pride—an event I’ve always attended with my mums.
A – What are your expectations for this year?
F – I believe this year will be even better than the last. Since it’s not our first time, we’re already familiar with the logistics and can avoid the issues we encountered before. Also, because it’s the second edition, people already know about it and remember how well it went last year. In 2024, we had about a hundred participants. I think, thanks to improved communication and word of mouth, we’ll involve even more people this time around.
A – What advice would you give to other NOs who want to follow ESN Italy’s example?
F – I think it’s a fairly manageable event to organise—similar to a flag parade. The biggest challenge is securing funding. It’s important to be clear about your objectives: whether you want a truck, whether you’ll need sponsors, gadgets, and so on. I believe a small Organising Committee of three or four people is enough to handle sponsorships, accommodation, and logistics.
A – What challenges, if any, did ESN Italy face in organising its participation or during the event itself?
F – The main challenge was ensuring clear communication with the truck and sound system providers. But this year, we’ve improved in that area to prevent the unexpected issues we had in 2024. We didn’t experience any major problems beyond that. However, one challenge others might face is the summer heat. I’d recommend, as we did, to have water bottles and handheld fans available. Having a doctor on the truck could also be a good precaution.
A – How do you hope ESN Italy’s participation in Pride will influence its perception among potential international students and partners?
F – I think our participation reinforces ESN’s image as a safe and inclusive space for both volunteers and international students. It also highlights ESN Italy’s values of inclusivity to potential institutional partners. Last year, we received really positive feedback. The event was well organised, and we were proud to set a meaningful example for volunteers—showing that the network they’re part of actively supports these values.
A – Thank you, Federico, for sharing your experience with us. Best of luck for this year!
