Mario Mieli (1952-1983) was an Italian writer, activist, and one of the most influential figures in European LGBTQ+ liberation. Born in Milan, Mieli came of age during a period of social upheaval and became a leading voice in the Italian gay liberation movement of the 1970s. He co-founded FUORI! (Fronte Unitario Omosessuale Rivoluzionario Italiano), the country’s first gay rights organization, advocating for sexual freedom, anti-discrimination laws, and radical social change. Mieli was also a prolific writer and theoretician. His 1977 work, Homosexuality and Liberation: A Socialist Perspective, combined Marxist theory with queer critique, exploring the intersections of sexuality, politics, and society. He was openly gay at a time when public acknowledgment carried significant social risk and pushed boundaries in both activism and literature. Tragically, Mieli’s life ended prematurely in 1983, but his work continues to influence LGBTQ+ theory, activism, and cultural discourse. He is remembered as a visionary, intellectual, and fearless advocate for liberation and equality.