Gonzalo Orquín's Trialogo

If you're wondering why Philly Bricks has been so gay lately, well October is Gay History Month. If you're wondering why it's been so devoid of architectural discussion, that's because, well, there isn't much to talk about.

So I'll go with the next best thing: Art.

In a serendipitous twist of intent, or perhaps irony, which ever word works best, the Vatican accidentally advertised a small gay(ish) photography exhibit, offering up the world as its audience.

You see, since Rome legalized gay marriage some 1600 years ago, then took it back in 342AD, the country hasn't been so hip on the gays.

When Gonzalo Orquín's Trialogo exhibit opened at Rome’s Galleria L’Opera last Wednesday displaying couples kissing in some of Rome's Catholic cathedrals, the Vatican wasn't too keen on the fact that some of the subjects were of the same sex.

From Gonzalo Orquín's Trialogo

The Vatican threatened legal action against the small gallery, and Rome concurred. Until the gallery and the Vatican come to an agreement over the photos they'll remain covered. Despite being a westernized nation (arguably the one that invented the notion), Italy has some religious hang ups that allow the government to discourage any "free" speech that could damage the impression of the Catholic Church.

In the meantime, this unassuming collection of snapshots has received global attention, attention the Vatican offered to a digitally connected world it struggles to understand.

What Orquín refers to as a “a very homophobic county” has inadvertently made him a very wealthy man with orders for his work pouring in from around the planet.

Thanks a lot, Vatican City, keep reaching for that rainbow.