A gay island community created by Italy's Fascists

[n2doc]

By Alan Johnston



Seventy-five years ago in Fascist Italy, a group of gay men were labelled "degenerate", expelled from their homes and interned on an island. They were held under a prison regime - but some found life in the country's first openly gay community a liberating experience.

Every summer, tourists are drawn to the beauty of a tiny string of rocky islands in the Adriatic.

But just recently a group of visitors came to the Tremiti archipelago not so much to enjoy the peace and calm of this remote place as to remember.

These were gay, lesbian and transgender rights activists.

They had come to hold a small ceremony during which they would mark a shameful episode that unfolded in the islands more than 70 years ago.

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-22856586

[xchrom]

1. Du rec. Nt

[dbackjon]

2. On the bucket list now to visit

[MNBrewer]

3. If you're going to be

imprisoned by Fascists and "held under a prison regime", that appears to be the place to have it happen.

[durbin]

4. Great article, thanks for sharing. n/t

[Rowdyboy]

5. Absolutely fascinating. I'm so glad you shared this....