Arcigay was founded in 1985 and is Italy’s foremost national LGBT rights and human rights organisation. In 2007 its membership exceeded 160,000. It acts as an umbrella organization for 114 (50 political/cultural and 64 recreational) local centres, throughout 48 provinces in Italy, from Bolzano in the north to Catania in the south. Arcigay is a non-profit organisation which operates on a voluntary basis. Its aim is to combat homophobia, heterosexism, prejudice and anti-LGBT discrimination. It is committed to achieving equal status and equal opportunities among all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and aims to reinforce a full, free and happy life for LGBT people. Arcigay has its national headquarters in Bologna, in Via Don Minzoni, 18.