Fourth annual Gozo Pride march held in Victoria
Malta celebrates pride in September
For the fourth consecutive year, Gozo celebrated its Pride March on Saturday, with the event being described as one symbolising unity, respect, love, diversity and inclusiveness.
The march was held in Victoria, Gozo and among the LGBTIQ+ community and NGOs, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri and Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg also participated.
September is Pride month in Malta, and while the first Pride march was held in Valletta back in 2004, it took 18 years for Gozo to get its equivalent.
Camilleri said his ministry is proud to participate in the Pride march and will continue to support it so that every citizen feels welcomed and appreciated.
"Gozo, which for a long time was considered a conservative island, has in recent years fully joined Malta in the clear message that we want to convey through Gozo Pride, which is that every person has the right to express themselves freely and without fear," he said.
He said the ministry had granted the first official space to the LGBTI+Gozo organisation a few years ago so it could begin its work from an office in Victoria.
On her part, Buttigieg said the representation of LGBTIQ+ people in Gozo has increased in the last four years, but added that certain prejudices still persist. She said she will continue to support the initiatives of LGBTIQ+Gozo and added that fundamental human rights must be for everyone, including members of this community.
"The Pride celebration is a manifestation of the achievements and advances that this community has made in terms of civil rights. At the same time, it is a call to continue reforms in favour of inclusiveness and diversity and against all forms of discrimination," she said.