Oggi è un altro giorno: Lilith Primavera

Show: Oggi è un altro giorno
Release Year: 2022

On April 29, 2022, Italian actress, singer, and LGBTQI+ activist Lilith Primavera made an unforgettable appearance on the Italian talk show Oggi è un altro giorno, hosted by the warm and engaging Serena Bortone. Throughout the episode, Lilith shared intimate details about her personal journey, touching on themes of identity, family, transformation, and the struggles and triumphs she has experienced as a woman in the LGBTQI+ community. With a deep sense of vulnerability and strength, Lilith offered a glimpse into her past and present, celebrating not only her professional success but the emotional and social challenges she has overcome. 

 

The conversation began with Serena Bortone addressing Lilith’s surname, "Primavera," which translates to "spring" in English. Serena noted that it is a beautiful surname and connected it to Lilith's public persona. Serena quickly transitioned to the subject of Lilith’s first name, asking her about the significance of "Lilith," which, as Lilith revealed, was not her birth name but a name she was given later in life by her mother, Serena. Lilith explained that her birth name is no longer relevant to her, as she “lightened up the photos” of her past, symbolically discarding the identity of her former self. She described how she disposed of old photos by throwing them in a forest, setting one on fire, and even throwing another in the trash. This powerful act of letting go reflected a deeper process of freeing herself from the constraints of her previous life, a life that no longer represented who she truly was. However, Lilith also shared a deeply personal photo of herself with her beloved grandmother, Francesca, whom she describes as her "guardian angel." In the photograph, they are seen playing cards on a beach in Calabria. Lilith’s connection to her grandmother is particularly important, as it was Francesca who provided a sense of grounding and stability in Lilith’s life. Lilith went on to share that her grandmother was from Calabria, with curly hair, and that she felt a deep Mediterranean connection through her. This photo serves as a symbol of the love and support that Francesca gave Lilith throughout her childhood. 

 

The conversation soon turned to Lilith’s family dynamics. Lilith described her family as matriarchal, with her grandmother playing a significant role in her upbringing. Serena asked Lilith to talk more about her relationship with her grandmother and the way she cared for her during her childhood. Lilith explained that Francesca was not only a maternal figure but also the one who raised her after a difficult period of separation from her biological mother, Serena. Lilith revealed that her parents had separated when she was very young, before she turned five, and that she had not seen her mother much after that. Her mother, Serena, was a Roman woman with seven generations of roots in the capital, but she struggled with addiction during the early 1980s. This hardship deeply impacted Lilith's relationship with both of her parents. Lilith’s emotional journey with her mother is a story of longing, loss, and eventual reconciliation, especially after Lilith began her transformation into adulthood. Interestingly, Lilith shared how the name "Serena" carried a deep emotional resonance for her. The name reminded her of her mother and the longing she had for her presence in her life. When Lilith heard the name "Serena" in adulthood, she would feel a sense of calm, as it brought back memories of her mother. In a touching moment, Serena Bortone, the host of the show, pointed out the shared name between herself and Lilith’s mother, underscoring the emotional weight this name carried in Lilith’s life. 

 

Despite the separation and difficult times, Lilith’s relationship with her mother became more meaningful when her mother came to her during her teenage years and gave her the name "Lilith." She explained that her mother had called her Lilith when she was pregnant, and that this name became a lasting legacy of her mother’s love and support. Lilith acknowledged that the name Lilith is not an obvious one; it is often associated with the mythological figure of a feminine demon, but it also represents rebellion and strength in female mythology. She pointed out that Lilith was embraced by feminists in the 1980s, further giving significance to the name as a symbol of empowerment. Lilith’s reflection on this moment revealed a deep sense of gratitude toward her mother for choosing such a powerful and meaningful name for her. It was a gesture of affirmation, even though their relationship had been fraught with challenges. This act of naming was a gift, and Lilith embraced it as part of her journey toward self-discovery and personal empowerment. 

 

The conversation then turned to the complex and painful transformation Lilith experienced in her youth. She described the period between childhood and adolescence as a time when she struggled to reconcile the expectations placed on her by society, her family, and herself. Lilith confessed that there were years when she tried to conform to societal expectations, such as speaking in a lower voice and engaging in activities like basketball, which were traditionally considered more masculine. These efforts, she explained, were driven by a desire to meet her father’s expectations, but they left her feeling disconnected from her true identity. Despite her attempts to fit into a mold that was not her own, Lilith could not escape her true self. She was a talented athlete - excelling in basketball and karate - but these activities were not aligned with who she was meant to be. In a particularly poignant moment, Lilith shared how, despite her father’s efforts to help her, he did not have the tools or understanding to truly support her through this process of self-discovery. Lilith’s struggle to find acceptance within her family was compounded by the social and cultural pressures of the time. Her father's inability to understand her needs, coupled with his own struggles, left Lilith feeling isolated and misunderstood. This personal journey of self-acceptance would take many years, and she acknowledged that sometimes parents simply lack the tools to provide the support their children need. 

 

Over time, Lilith found a sense of peace with her own identity. She reconciled with the fact that her father, despite his love for her, did not possess the tools to truly understand or support her. This realization brought Lilith a sense of closure and peace, and she described her relationship with her father today as one that is full of understanding, even if it is not perfect. She accepted that her family could not give her everything she needed in terms of emotional support, but that did not diminish the love and bond they shared. The conversation shifted to Lilith’s ongoing relationship with her late grandmother, Francesca. Lilith shared a song that her grandmother used to sing to her, a Calabrian traditional song that carried deep emotional significance. Lilith’s connection to Francesca remains strong, and she fondly remembers her grandmother as a source of unconditional love and support. 

 

Toward the end of the interview, Serena Bortone praised Lilith for her activism and the powerful message of acceptance and self-determination that she conveys through her work. Lilith’s journey, which includes moments of rebellion, transformation, and growth, is not just personal - it is also political. Lilith emphasized that her journey is revolutionary, as it represents a rejection of societal norms that seek to impose rigid categories of identity. She challenged the patriarchal systems that seek to limit and define individuals, and instead, she embraced a more fluid and inclusive vision of identity. Lilith’s activism extends beyond her personal life, as she continues to fight for LGBTQI+ rights and gender equality. Her work in the entertainment industry, particularly her role in film and television, serves as a platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. In a world that is still grappling with issues of gender and sexual identity, Lilith’s presence is a beacon of hope for those who seek to live authentically. 

 

The interview concluded on a lighthearted and joyful note as Lilith and Serena shared a karaoke moment. Lilith, known for her vibrant personality and love for music, joked about how singing and dancing are an important part of her self-expression. She dedicated her performance to grandmothers everywhere, celebrating the love and wisdom they pass on to future generations. As the two sang together, the atmosphere was one of joy, connection, and celebration of life’s simple pleasures. Lilith Primavera’s appearance on Oggi è un altro giorno was an intimate and powerful conversation that delved deep into her personal history, her identity, and her activism. Through her stories of family, transformation, and self-empowerment, Lilith offered a glimpse into the complex and often painful journey of self-discovery. Her message is one of resilience, rebellion, and the importance of living authentically, regardless of the expectations and pressures placed upon us by society. Her presence on the show was a reminder of the power of love, family, and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube - RAI

Interview with Lilith Primavera: