Beyond a Single Story: A Conference at the University of Insubria on Gender-Based Violence, LGBTQIA+ Issues and Intersectionality

Gender-based violence does not take a single form, nor does it affect everyone in the same way. Sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural background and social circumstances can intersect, giving rise to different experiences of discrimination, exclusion and violence.

To explore these intersections, Arcigay Varese APS is organising the conference “Beyond a Single Story: Gender-Based Violence, LGBTQIA+ Issues and Intersectionality”, in collaboration with the University of Insubria and with the patronage of the Research Centre for Law, Media, Information and Society (DirMIS) and the Insubria Youth Gender Observatory (OGGI). The event will take place on Thursday, 29 October 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm, in the “Granero - Porati” Aula Magna, Padiglione Lanzavecchia, Via Jean Henry Dunant 3, Varese.

Research, Rights and Prevention

The institutional welcome addresses, coordinated by Giacomo Furlanetto, will feature Paola Biavaschi, the Rector’s Delegate for Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities; Maria Cristina Reale, Director of the DirMIS Research Centre; Francesca Ferrari, Director of the Teaching and Learning Center; Rossella Dimaggio, Councillor for Educational Services and Equal Opportunities of the Municipality of Varese; and Giuseppe Carcano, Head of the Varese Territorial Education Office. Giulia Tiberi, from the University of Insubria, will introduce and moderate the conference.

The University’s contributions will explore law, sociology, language, technology and history. Dominique Feola will address gender dysphoria and legal gender recognition in case law; Jihane Benarafa will discuss identity, emotional relationships and belonging in the contemporary Maghreb; and Erica Corradi will examine language and gender stereotypes. Geo Magri will analyse algorithmic discrimination and the protection of fundamental rights; Stefano Fanetti will trace the path towards equality for homosexual people in Switzerland; Francesca Pulitanò will explore gender issues in the history of sport; and Giacomo Furlanetto will reflect on the criminal offence of femicide, considering both the effectiveness of legal protection and its symbolic significance.

Experiences from the Local Community

Arcigay Varese, EOS Varese and Rete Rosa Saronno will present data and reflections on gender-based violence in the local area, bringing together the experiences of anti-violence centres and services supporting LGBTQIA+ people. The discussion will also focus on less visible forms of violence and their impact on everyday life.

Clara Baldin (Arcigay Varese) will explore minority stress and identity abuse, with particular attention to their psychological implications; Mikaela Filice (Arcigay Varese) will present educational practices and intervention models aimed at prevention. Giovanni Boschini (Arcigay Varese) will offer reflections on LGBTQIA+ rights in Italy and Europe; Eleonora Righi (Rete Rosa Saronno) will present practical tools for professionals seeking to adopt inclusive approaches. The conference will conclude with closing remarks by Paola Biavaschi.

The conference is one of the initiatives organised within SISTER_VA, a project developed by Arcigay Varese APS together with EOS Varese and Rete Rosa Saronno, aimed at contributing to the prevention of gender-based violence through an intersectional approach.

Information and Contacts

When: Thursday, 29 October 2026, 10 am–1 pm; followed by a light lunch.
Where: “Granero - Porati” Aula Magna, Padiglione Lanzavecchia, University of Insubria, Via Jean Henry Dunant 3, Varese.
Scientific and Organising Committee: Paola Biavaschi, Maria Cristina Reale, Giacomo Furlanetto (University of Insubria) and Giovanni Boschini (Arcigay Varese).

Press contacts: Arcigay Varese APS · varese@arcigay.it · +39 0332 184 4640 · www.arcigayvarese.it