Would You Set Yourself On Fire To Protest Vatican’s Anti-Gay Dogma? One Italian Writer Did

Wayne Besen February 06, 2013

Fifteen years ago, an Italian gay writer shocked the world by setting himself on fire in St. Peter’s Square as a protest against the Vatican’s condemnation of homosexuality. Years later, his gesture faded into obscurity.

What is the flame he ignited and how deep are its shadows? By unraveling this tragic story, Alfredo’s Fire highlights the issue of religious intolerance, which burns as strong and deadly as ever at the crossroads of faith and sexuality.

About the Author

Wayne Besen is the Founding Executive Director of Truth Wins Out and author of “Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth” (Haworth, 2003). In 2010, Besen was awarded the “Visionary Award” at the Out Music Awards for organizing the American Prayer Hour, an event which shined a spotlight on the role American evangelicals played in the introduction of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

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10 Comments

Rick Rosendall February 6, 2013 at 12:49 pm -

The closeted boys at the Vatican might like it if we all immolated ourselves — at least those of us who are too old for their tastes. At most they would skake their heads and say a prayer. Sorry to disappoint them. Staying alive and fighting them is much better.
Wayne Besen February 6, 2013 at 12:53 pm -

There are so many “flamers” already working in the Vatican, I doubt they even noticed the guy on fire.

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, I’m not promoting fire and it would not be my personal form of protest. A sun burn is enough for me. OUCH
Priya Lynn February 6, 2013 at 12:59 pm -

I think a protest like this just lets the bigots say “See, I told you they were mentally ill.”.
Wayne Besen February 6, 2013 at 1:11 pm -

That is true, Priya — but it sometimes works. The entire Arab Spring happened after a Tunisian shop keeper set himself ablaze.
RainbowPhoenix February 6, 2013 at 1:12 pm -

No sleep for me tonight. I’m a major pyrophobe.
David Cary Hart February 6, 2013 at 1:25 pm -

Check out this anti-gay antisemitic Vatican schmuck http://bit.ly/14Sw23i
Gary (NJ) February 7, 2013 at 9:58 am -

An institution that doesn’t give a damn about children being raped certainly doesn’t care about an adult setting himself on fire. They would only be worried about the scandal–not the life of the man nor his family and friends and definitely not what he was protesting.
John Patrick February 7, 2013 at 10:14 am -

I had forgotten about this incident. I thought at the time that maybe someone in the Vatican would be moved. Obviously I was wrong. Maybe this movie will make a difference.
Merlyn February 10, 2013 at 2:12 pm -

I doubt the Vatican gave a damn about Alfredo’s having set himself on fire. However it will hopefully energize Italian LGBT people to go after their rights.

Te lack of respeonse from the Vatican only shows what a disgusting orgainization it really is. Condemn LGBT but hid and and further enable pedophiles. I am proud to be able to call myself ex-catholic.
Marta Mannenbach March 5, 2013 at 7:15 pm -

Thank you for the support and commenting! The film is still in post-production and needs to be released soon. We can do it only with your support. Please share the information and make a donation (or this story will stay on the shelf in the back room). Any support will help!
Time is running out and we only have another 21 days to go.
Here is the link to the ALFREDO’S FIRE Kickstarter page http://bit.ly/kickstartfire