During the European Cultural Week and under the European Union's motto: "United in diversity", European Union Ambassador Silvio Gonzato chose to speak in the first person on "Dita Jonë" on A2 CNN, revealing his sexual orientation.
While explaining all the projects that are being developed with artists this week, not only in Tirana but also in the districts and in Pilur of Vlora, the ambassador brought to attention the photographic exhibition on the theme of love by Blerta Kambo, where, according to him, various forms of love are portrayed, not only between a woman and a man. The ambassador shows the difficulties encountered on this topic and emphasizes that the mindset in our country must change.
"The main theme is to create this space in which people can interact freely and shape their vision for the EU. We will have several theaters. Another is an exhibition by Blerta Kambo; Love is the same for everyone, there are different ways of love portrayed, not only between a woman and a man. I believe that people know that I am homosexual, but I do not abuse the position I have. I was disappointed because we had difficulty finding a place where it would be organized, because people said we will not show these photos that we have children, but they are photos with love. They are simply photographs. This change of mentality must be achieved in Albania. People should accept diversity and I think this will have its effect. We have music and other themes such as immigration that affects Albanians and the relationship between language and power. All this to simulate reflection on the challenges we face. Culture is a powerful tool to overcome borders and that is why we did this in partnership with artists."
Further explaining his public statement on homosexuality, Gonzato honestly confessed to A2 CNN the difficulties and said that this is not a threat to people and does not abuse his position.
"It's hard today to expose yourself in this way and become vulnerable, but I like to be honest. I have nothing to hide. Expressing who you really are is not easy but it's important to be honest. The way I am is not a threat to you and the feelings I have are the same as yours. Yes, we are different, we are with this diversity and we are also the same. I also like the idea of the exhibition, we have a human essence and you probably know that I was married to a woman and then I married a man and the problems are the same."
(A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
