From opposing LGBTIQ+ rights to openly sympathizing with their position, the story of Alessandra Mussolini has unfolded in a way that surprised many observers. The Italian member of parliament, granddaughter of Benito Mussolini, found herself at the center of a heated debate after a recent European Parliament request about gender designation. She refused to disclose her gender, saying, “Do not ask me what gender I am, because I won’t tell you.” European institutions have said they stand against discrimination, yet the episode exposed tension over how to categorize individuals in gender terms.
During discussions, she explained that she spoke with the head of her delegation and expressed a preference to obtain a security credential without specifying a gender. The colleague reportedly supported the idea, calling it a significant point in a broader political conflict. The episode has highlighted how the far-reaching changes within Italy’s political landscape, including the Forza Italia party led by Silvio Berlusconi, have influenced the position of Italian lawmakers within the European Parliament.
Allegiances and reputations often collide in public discourse, and Mussolini’s remarks drew widespread attention in the Italian press. The controversy is not merely about the question at hand but also about the legacy she carries as the granddaughter of a historic figure who was associated with the suppression of marginalized groups, including LGBTIQ+ people.
Beyond personal history, Mussolini has had a complex public profile. Early in her career she was linked to post-fascist currents, and she has at times targeted LGBTIQ+ communities. A well-known moment from a televised debate in 2006 featured a hostile remark toward Vladimir Luxuria, a prominent transgender activist in Italy. She later offered an apology in subsequent years.
Copernican twist
The exact moment of Alessandra Mussolini’s death is unknown, though historical records note that as a young woman she joined the post-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI) and later shifted her views. In recent years, she has attempted to articulate a broader stance on gender and sexuality, signaling a shift in perspective. A televised program in which she admitted that she may have been mistaken about LGBTIQ+ issues reflected what some observers described as a “Copernican twist.” She asserted that everyone should have the freedom to live openly and honestly, and she argued that young people experience real pain when they feel compelled to hide truths from their families.
There are indications, however, that Alessandra’s position has evolved toward greater support for LGBTIQ+ rights. She publicly supported a 2021 bill against homophobia proposed by Alessandro Zan, a leading activist from the Democratic Party, and she has been photographed in rainbow colors to show solidarity with LGBTIQ+ communities.
Advocates for LGBTIQ+ rights have welcomed what they see as a meaningful change in attitude. They note that people can shift their views over time and that such shifts often reflect personal growth or evolving understanding. Gabriele Piazzoni, president of Arcigay, commented that a genuine change of heart from a conservative stance toward LGBTIQ+ inclusivity holds great value for public discourse and policy alike. He suggested that a personal conversion can carry more impact than many campaigns because it signals authenticity and empathy toward affected communities.
As Italy’s political landscape continues to evolve, observers will watch how the current prime minister navigates these dynamics. Giorgia Meloni, a leading figure in the government and the partner of Mussolini’s party under a platform centered on traditional family values, faces ongoing scrutiny over how these tensions influence policy and public messaging in a country with a long and complicated history on social issues.