Taylor Swift fan who fought for wheelchair access at Seeing Eras Tour

After years of struggling to see Taylor Swift in concert, Silvia Stoyanova’s wish was finally granted.

In July 2023, Stoyanova – who has been wheelchair-bound for most of her life – sparked an outcry in Italy after she purchased a premium ticket to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert on July 14 at Milan’s San Siro Stadium. Organizers informed her that the venue’s first seating area was not wheelchair accessible and that the designated wheelchair area was sold out.

Stoyanova immediately launched a petition on Change.org, calling on the organizers to expand the stadium area to make it wheelchair accessible. She also appealed to Italy’s Minister for Disabled People, Alessandra Locatelli, to “take care of the more playful aspects of the lives of people with disabilities.”

After many months of difficulties, Stoyanova finally got a ticket for the wheelchair area of ​​the stadium and attended the Milan Eras Tour event on Sunday. Below she speaks with diversity about their experiences.

You fought so hard to be able to attend this concert. How did you feel on the day itself?

When the long-awaited day arrived, I was very scared. I didn’t know what to expect because, like any disabled person, I know my weaknesses, my infirmities. For us, situations that are simple for others often become complicated. Even when everything seems clear; even when you think everything should go smoothly. My experience of over 36 years has taught me to always expect unexpected problems. When I arrived at the San Siro stadium, I thought I would calm down and take my place in the disabled area. But unfortunately, when we arrived on site, the stadium staff had no idea where the entrance to the disabled platform was. So I missed the first 40 minutes of Taylor’s concert as I was shuffled between the gates because nobody knew where to go.

How did you feel when you finally got inside?

At first I was looking at the screens because we were obviously positioned to the side. And at first we even had a big power pole right in front of us. But then (we moved) and every now and then I would glance at the stage and think, “Oh my God, she’s really there!” I’ve watched too many TikTok videos of Taylor this year, so unfortunately looking at the screens was a bit like that. But then when she was in sight on the diamond right in the middle of the stage, I was like, “Wait a minute, we’re breathing the same air!” OK, along with 60,000 other people – but in short, we still feel the same warmth, hear the same sounds, feel the same things. I mean, it’s like a connection, right? Finally, it was real.

And I cried a lot, with every song. I let out all the tension, stress and fear that I had been carrying for a year. My mom and my boyfriend said, “We’re in. Why are you crying?” And I said, “I know we’re in. That’s exactly why I’m crying.”

What were the highlights of the concert for you as a Swiftie?

Emotionally, the biggest highlight was seeing her come on stage all dressed up for “All Too Well.” In fact, in one of my videos, I cry right at the beginning of the song because Taylor builds so much empathy and such a strong connection with her fans. Swifties know what “All Too Well” means to her. We know it’s about her real life and the real emotion she puts into it. So when “All Too Well” started, it was like Taylor and I had a connection. Even though I didn’t live the same story as her, I know what it meant to her. So it was like I was crying for her. And in terms of pure spectacle, there were all four songs from “Reputation” that she performed because they rocked the stadium. And also “Champagne Problems” because again, you really hear the emotional charge of the screaming fans wanting Taylor to hear and feel all of her warmth.

Has your struggle made a difference? It seems like we still have a long way to go.

Yes, it is clear that we are not there yet. We must continue to fight for this cause. The Minister for Disabled People has committed to this and I am involved in committees of various organizations. But this is certainly something that takes time. And if for some reason we are pushed aside despite promises, we will continue to make our voices heard. We will not stop fighting for our rights.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.