Cagliari, the vibrant capital of Sardinia, is preparing to host the fourth edition of “Rainbook”, the Literary Festival dedicated to literature and LGTBIQ+ themes. From October 23 to 26, 2025, the Via Falzarego Library Pole will become an epicenter of meetings, debates and presentations that intertwine culture, activism and sustainability.
Voices that Transform: An Unmissable Inaugural Dialogue
The inauguration, on Thursday, October 23 at 6:00 p.m., promises to be a turning point with the debate “Literature as a means of activism, activism told in literature”. What power do words have to shape our society and our perceptions? This is the central question that figures such as:
- Carla Antonelli: Spanish trans senator, tireless voice in the fight for rights.
- Jean Luc Romero: Vice-mayor of Paris, a reference in European politics.
- Marilena Grassadonia: LGBT+ Rights Policy Coordinator of the City Council of Rome, promoter of inclusion.
- Massimo Milani: Activist committed to the LGTBIQ+ cause.
It will be an enriching dialogue of personal experiences and visions that, without a doubt, will invite the reader to reflect on the real impact of narrative on social transformation.
A Literary Journey through Human Diversity
The festival will continue to offer diverse and stimulating programming:
Friday, October 24: Looks at Human Relations
The day will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the sociologist Chiara Saraceno, who, from Turin, will present her essay “The traditional family does not exist.” At 18:30, Luca Foglia Leveque will immerse us in “Blu”, and at 19:10, Daniela Dawan will close with “Shadow Games”. Three works that, from different perspectives, explore the complexities of the present and the richness of human relationships.
Saturday, October 25: Identity, Transformation and Memory
At 5:00 p.m., Alessandra Cenni will invite us on a literary journey about identity and transformation with “The uninhabited angel. From androgynous to transfluid”. At 5:45 p.m., the historic trans activist Romina Cecconi will present “Yo, la Romanina”, along with Fulvia Antonelli, who will premiere “Almost a century. Life of Lucy Salani”, a work dedicated to Lucy Salani, an extraordinary figure who survived the Dachau concentration camp.
The afternoon will culminate with one of the most anticipated moments: at 7:30 p.m., at the Teatro delle Saline, Francesco Abate will present his new novel, “The Unworthy”. The day will close at 9:00 p.m. with the stand-up comedy show “Unsolicited Press Conference” by the collective Le Recensioni non Richieste.
Sunday, October 26: Closing with Awards and New Narratives
The last day of the festival will begin at 11:00 with the ceremony for the Laura Grasso Literary Award’ at the Espacio Pira in Quartu Sant’Elena, which is celebrating its second edition. In the afternoon, starting at 5:00 p.m., the Polo Bibliotecario will once again be the scene of presentations with Giancarlo Covenali and Gian Pietro Leonardi and their essay “Queer and Now”. They will be followed by Chiara Fiorentini with “The year I said goodbye to you” (17:30), Giancarlo Pastore with “Before the dawn” (18:15) and, to close the festival at 19:00, Flavio Nuccitelli with “When it’s dark outside”, a generational story that illuminates the most authentic and fragile side of being.
The “Literary Forest”: A Commitment to the Future
“Rainbook” is not only a festival of words, but also an environmentally conscious project. The “Literary Forest” initiative will continue in this edition, planting new trees in numbers equivalent to the books sold. Could culture be one of the keys to a more sustainable future? This project, which has already created new green areas in Sassari, Assemini and Decimomannu, proves that it is.
“Rainbook” is consolidated as a unique festival in Italy, capable of weaving an open and necessary dialogue between literature, LGTBIQ+ rights, ecology and culture. Admission is free and, for a more sustainable experience, readers are encouraged to use public transportation.
