The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society has become the first Maltese organisation to be accepted as a full member of the Network of European LGBTIQ* Families Associations.

Being part of this network connects Malta’s Rainbow Families Network with 35 associations representing 29 countries and thousands of LGBTIQ families.

Former President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who chairs the foundation said membership will strengthen the foundation's mission to promote inclusion and respect for all people from all walks of life, irrespective of the sexual orientation of individuals.

“I believe we have to work much harder, not only locally but also on a European and international level, to change society’s attitudes towards rainbow families and to ensure we eradicate the stigma that still exists.”

The foundation has been at the forefront of highlighting the struggles, joys and prejudices LGBTIQ families face to foster a culture of inclusivity and respect in society.

Apart from its campaign themed #OurChildrenAreAlright, it had set up the Rainbow Families Network with MGRM (the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement) to create a safe space where these families could share their experiences in a secure environment away from society’s mainstream prejudices. 

This European network provides a platform for associations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and their children, as well as intersex and queer, to come together under one umbrella organisation. 

It promotes the exchange of information among its members and assists in developing LGBTIQ families’ associations in Europe. It works to ensure that children raised in rainbow families are granted the same rights as others and encourages European governments to adopt legal systems and equal opportunity policies that do not discriminate against such families, be it legally, financially, educationally or socially.