Cassero — Gay Lesbian Center

From its location in Bologna, Il Cassero has offered 29 years of important cultural and political initiatives geared to advance the queer community on both a local and national level. Il Cassero is one of the largest resource centers in Europe providing research in the LGBT movement and health and well-being counseling for LGBT people. Il Cassero is also one of the most important locations for music, art, history and social networks in the city.

All of the resources and activities have come to fruition with the help and contribution from the people who identify with the principles embodied in the association: universal solidarity, the practice and the defense of civil liberty and individuality, and the collectivity and diffusion of gay culture. Il Cassero values the protection of civil rights, the promotion of physical and mental well-being of queer people and the prevention of discriminationagainst the LGBT community.

Currently, there are 19,000 active members registered with the Arcigay card. Every three years an assembly elects a new board of directors who are given the mandate to direct the association.

All activities are free with a paid and registered membership (Arcigay card). Proceeds from business sponsors also make events possible and successful.

Il Cassero is also registered to other cultural and social organizations such as the Associazioni di Promozione Sociale (prot. N. 207391), the Libere Forme Associative del Comune di Bologna (prot. n. 96893/1998, sezione: impegno civile, promozione e tutela difetti umani), the Arcigay, the largest national network for Gay associations in Italy, and the ILGA – Internation Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. Il Cassero has further created partnerships with academic institutions such as l’Università di Bologna and developed internship projects with students.

English Translation by Alejandro Gòngora