BTX Bar takes center stage at Roma Pride 2025: a mix of parties, activism, and cult-favorite fans
On June 13th and 14th, 2025, BTX Bar Italia shone a spotlight on a Pride dedicated to authenticity, with two events that left their mark on the capital: the “Stop Being Fake Party” on Gay Street and participation in the Roma Pride parade with an ironic and powerful message.
As Italy's first "botox bar," founded in 2021, BTX Bar has become a cultural and healthcare hub: a place where aesthetics and activism intertwine. "A few days ago, in Rome, some trans people were attacked on the street," recalls Flavio Ronzi, founder and CEO. "We respond the only way we know how: by creating beauty, community, and visibility."
Friday, June 13th: The “Stop Being Fake Party” set Gay Street on fire
In the heart of Rome's Gay Street, BTX Barhosted one of the most iconic nights of Pride month: the “Stop Being Fake Party”, hosted by the historic venue Coming Out.
. A free event open to everyone, it transformed Via di San Giovanni in Laterano into a true runway of freedom, love, and authentic beauty.
Drag shows, DJ sets, pink lights, and bold slogans: everything contributed to creating a vibrant atmosphere, with a warm turnout from friends of BTX Bar, the LGBTQIA+ community, tourists, activists, familiar faces, and special guests.
The message was clear: stop being fake, let's shake off stereotypes, conformity, and fear.
Here is the evening's line-up:
- 9:00 PM Evening starts with Dj ivy
- 9:15 PM Entrance of Maruska(Welcome and introduction to the evening)
- 9:20 PM Lip Sync performance by Grace Galuboj “Oye Siri” (Jey Agredo)
- 9:40 PM Lip Sync performance by Kim Lawlight “Botox” (M¥SS KETA)
- 10:00 PM Comedy monologue by Maruska “STOP BEING FAKE”
- 10:10 PM Live performance by Maruska “I Am What I Am” (Gloria Gaynor)
- 10:15 PM DJ set by DJ Anna Cullen with live performances by Grace Galuboj and Kim Lawlight
- 10:45 PM Monologue by stand-up comedian Adriana Tedeschi
- 11:00 PM Live performance by Beatrice Quinta and DJ Maggie
- 11:30 PM DJ set by DJ Anna Cullen
- 11:45 PM Live performance by Maruska “Fashionista” (Jimmy James)
- 12:00 AM Closing remarks and presentation of the "Walk with Pride Awards 2025" to BTX Bar Italia spokespeople Flavio Ronzi and Matteo Micucci, and to the evening's guest stars Beatrice Quinta and Adriana Tedeschi.
Photo by Anna Benedetto "Visual Teller"
Saturday, June 14: “Never had wrinkles or fear (of you)” fans for everyone at Roma Pride
The following day, BTX Bar marched at Roma Pride 2025, bringing along one of the most photographed and shared items of the parade: fans with the slogan “STOP BEING FAKE / Never had wrinkles or fear (of you)”.
BTX Bar joined the crowd, proudly claiming the right to exist with an ironic yet powerful message, playing on the language of aesthetic medicine to overturn stigma and reaffirm a fundamental principle: no fear of showing who you really are,wrinkles included.
The BTX Bar staff handed out thousands of fans along the parade route, receiving hugs, smiles, and appreciation from protesters of all ages. The gesture went viral on social media and strengthened BTX Bar's positioning as an inclusive, pop, and conscious space, blending aesthetics with activism.
Photo by Anna Benedetto "Visual Teller"
A clear message: beauty is not a mask, but a form of freedom
With these two events, BTX Bar Italia has shown that aesthetic medicine can (and must) also play a cultural role, breaking taboos and supporting the freedom of self-determination.
Rome Pride 2025 was not just a moment of visibility, but a stand against all forms of hate and conformity, in favor of an authentic, plural beauty that brings harmony and never judges.
