About me
Alessandro ZanAlessandro Zan is a prominent Italian politician, LGBTQIA+ activist, and member of the Italian Parliament since 2013. Born in Padua in 1973, his journey from grassroots advocacy to national lawmaking represents a significant voice for equality in Italian politics.
With an educational background in telecommunications engineering from the University of Padua, Zan's activism began during his student years through involvement in peace movements and student associations. His leadership within Italy's LGBTQIA+ community developed as president of the local Arcigay section in 2001, and he made history by organizing the National Gay Pride in Padua in 2002.
Zan's political career began with his election to Padua's city council in 2004, where he pioneered groundbreaking local policies, including establishing Italy's first municipal register for same-sex couples in 2006. In 2009, he advanced to City Councilor for environment, labor, and international cooperation, demonstrating his commitment to intersectional progressive causes.
As a national legislator, Zan has championed landmark LGBTQIA+ rights legislation, including the 2016 civil partnerships law that first recognized same-sex relationships in Italian law. His ongoing advocacy culminated in the "Zan bill," a significant legislative proposal addressing discrimination and hate crimes that bears his name as principal author and parliamentary rapporteur, reflecting his central role in Italy's equality movement.
