Maltese LGBTIQ+ Groups Condemn Hate Speech And Degradation Following EuroPride Dance
A coalition of Maltese LGBTIQ+ organisations have condemned the degrading comments and the resulting hate speech spread online following the official EuroPride 2023 dance held in Valletta last Saturday.
Local social media has been flooded with reactions from both ends of the spectrum, after the official dance for EuroPride 2023, which is being hosted by Malta, was launched last weekend.
“We request maturity and responsibility from persons with a wide-reaching audience who unfortunately choose to use their public platform to promote discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTIQ+ community,” the organisations said in a statement.
The statement was endorsed by ADITUS Foundation, ADPD – Malta’s Green Party, Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC), Drachma LGBTI, Drachma Parents, Equality Labour (Partit Laburista), LGBTI + Gozo, and MGRM – The Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement.
“‘Dancing with Pride’ was an event designed with everyone in mind, an all ages-appropriate celebration championing diversity and people coming together from the LGBTIQ community, their families, and allies.”
“It intended to continue pushing Malta and Gozo further in favour of the pillars of democracy.”
“As diverse as society is on our islands, we should be encouraging inclusion and understanding with people of all ages and backgrounds, not closing off in a bubble ignoring the diverse realities that surround us.”
The coalition continued to say that it’s disappointing that, despite the introduction of revolutionary reforms in Malta, some public figures, including politicians and people working in the media, still insist on judging families who voluntarily join a music and dance event, simply because the organisers are members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
“The derogatory comments imply that the LGBTIQ+ community should hide itself from certain categories of society. This attitude ignores the realities of LGBTIQ+ people and their families who form part of and contribute to society.”
“Such a reaction is a reminder of why the need for Pride persists, and that despite the legal achievements, much work is left to be done to educate and change mentalities in the Maltese islands.”
“Pride, both internationally and locally, has always been grounded in a conversation around social justice and human rights for all. It is not just about celebrations, but also about engaging discourse, educating and working towards a society that embraces every person, group and community within its fold.”
“We take the opportunity to thank all those who enthusiastically took part in ‘Dancing with Pride’ for spreading hope and positivity through dance and music.”
They also thanked all those who made the event possible, including NGOs, EuroPride Valletta 2023 licence holders ARC-Allied Rainbow Communities and the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Hon. Rebecca Buttigieg.
“As NGOs and members of the Malta LGBTIQ Consultative Council, we will keep on promoting the message that there is space for everyone in a society where love and social justice prevail.”
“We will continue to ensure that no one is left behind.”
What do you make of this statement?
READ NEXT: Police Searching For Aggressors After Bloodied Marsaskala Argument
