In a country known for its conservative values, Victoria De Angelis, the talented bassist of the Grammy-nominated band Måneskin, has fearlessly laid bare the challenges faced by queer individuals in Italy. Since their captivating performance at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021, Måneskin has not only thrilled fans with their music, including the fiery album Rush!, but also by fearlessly embracing their queerness.
While the band’s drummer, Ethan Torchio, and bassist, Victoria De Angelis, openly identify as queer, vocalist Damiano David and guitarist Thomas Raggi challenge societal gender norms through their on-stage personas, defying expectations. However, the road hasn’t always been easy for the band’s queer members, particularly for De Angelis.
In an exclusive interview with The Big Issue, the 23-year-old musician revealed the discomfort she experienced while openly dating women in her home country. Reflecting on her experiences, De Angelis expressed her longing for queerness to be considered “normal.” She recounted the lingering stares and emphasized the importance of creating an environment where such relationships are accepted without hesitation.
De Angelis further highlighted the prevailing conservatism in Italy, attributing it to the country’s strong Catholic influence. Despite progress made elsewhere, many Italians still view homosexuality as a sin. The rise of Giorgia Meloni, a far-right politician who holds anti-LGBTQ+ views, as Italy’s prime minister only exacerbated the challenges faced by the queer community. Meloni has consistently espoused anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, opposing same-sex adoption and denying rights to transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals.
Despite these hardships, Victoria De Angelis maintains hope for change. She believes that the younger generation is becoming more open-minded, even within religious contexts. Expressing her optimism, De Angelis envisions a future where respect and tolerance prevail, urging others to embrace their sexuality.
Through their music, Måneskin aims to inspire self-belief and encourage individuals to embrace their true selves. They remain resolute in the face of bigotry, sending a powerful message that resonates with LGBTQ+ lives. As Victoria De Angelis aptly puts it, it is time for those harboring discriminatory views to shed their ignorance and embrace acceptance.
