Faces of Exile: The Arrusi and the Policing of Gender and Sexuality in Fascist Italy Art Exhibition Opening

In early 1939, forty-five men from Catania, Sicily, were arrested for homosexuality and exiled to the island of San Domino off the coast of Italy. The men, aged 18 to 54, were charged with “passive pederasty,” a crime against masculinity, morality, and the integrity of the “Italian race.” Through archival research and on-site photography, Luana Rigolli uncovers the forgotten stories and the power of a totalitarian state intent on erasing them. These photographs offer a chilling glimpse into the social climate and the frequently overlooked history of the persecution of homosexuals in Mussolini’s Italy. After touring internationally, her work will be exhibited March 1- April 5, 2026, at MacEwan Library.

Join us for a reception and panel discussion to celebrate the launch of this photographic exhibition. Meet the artist, enjoy refreshments, and engage in conversations about power, persecution, and the institutional policing of sex, sexuality, and gender.

Panellists: Dr. Alessio Ponzio (MacEwan University), Dr. Jennifer Evans (Carleton University), and artist/photographer Dr. Luana Rigolli (Rome, Italy). 

Moderator: Dr. Kelly Summers (MacEwan University).

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Opening reception date: Monday, March 9, 2026
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m. (panel discussion 5:30-6:30 p.m.)
Location: MacEwan Library (Building 6, 2nd Floor)
All are welcome to attend.
Light refreshments will be served.
ASL interpreter available upon request. 

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This event is part of Pride Week 2026, where MacEwan University recognizes and celebrates the diversity of our 2SLGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, and allies.

MacEwan’s Pride Week 2026 is brought to you by the YEG Campus Pride Network (MacEwan University, University of Alberta, Concordia University of Edmonton, NAIT, NorQuest College, and The King's University).

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