Taylor Swift Fan Who Fought for Disability Rights at Stadium Gushes Over Milan Experience

After a year-long advocacy battle to make Taylor Swift's concerts more accessible, Silvia Stoyanova's efforts paid off in an unforgettable experience. Speaking with Variety in an interview published Wednesday, July 17, the 36-year-old fan shared the emotional rollercoaster of attending the 34-year-old "Cruel Summer" singer's Eras Tour concert in Milan, a moment that was both a personal triumph and a highlight of her ongoing campaign for disability rights.

The battle began in July 2023 when Stoyanova, who has used a wheelchair most of her life, bought a premium ticket for Swift's July 14 show at San Siro Stadium. She soon discovered that the front-row section lacked wheelchair access, and the designated wheelchair area was fully booked. Determined not to let this oversight slide, the Italian native launched a Change.org petition demanding better accessibility at the venue.

A year of advocacy later, Stoyanova secured access to the stadium's wheelchair-accessible area to the Grammy-winning artist's concert on Sunday, July 14. Yet, the journey didn't smooth out immediately. "When the long-awaited day arrived, I was very scared," she admitted. Arriving at the stadium, she faced initial confusion — venue staff were unsure where the entrance for disabled access was, causing her to miss the first part of the concert. "I missed the first 40 minutes of Taylor's concert being tossed around between one gate and another because no one knew where we were supposed to go," she told the publication.

However, once settled, the experience transformed. From her vantage point, although initially obstructed by a power pole, Stoyanova felt an overwhelming connection when the pop sensation appeared. "Every now and again, I would glance at the stage and think, 'Oh my God, she's really there!' It felt like we were breathing the same air," the Swiftie described.

When the outlet asked about the concert highlights, Stoyanova gushed, saying, "the biggest highlight was when I saw her come out dressed for 'All Too Well.' In fact, in one of my videos I break down crying right at the beginning of that song because of the empathy, the bond that Taylor creates with her fans." She continued, "Swifties know what 'All Too Well' means for her. We know that it talks about her real life, and the real emotion she puts into it. So when 'All Too Well' started, it was as if Taylor and I were connected."

Stoyanova's persistence not only enabled her to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime event but also continued to fuel her advocacy for more inclusive event planning. "It's clear that we aren't there yet," she said. "We need to continue to push for this cause."