Featured image by Annakarina Cabello and Bergin Ortiz

May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, or IDAHOT. Conceived in 2004 by Frenchman Louis-Georges tin, the day aims to raise awareness of violence, discrimination and repression of LGBT communities worldwide. 

Malta will also be doing its part to celebrate this important day, and here’s what you can do throughout the day (and week) as part of IDAHOT.

1. Celebrate #KissesForCake at Badass Burgers

One of Malta’s first gourmet burger joints launched a campaign inviting couples to win a free dessert on IDAHOT, and you all have to do is kiss your loved on on camera. The top three smoochers will also win a bottle of wine for free on their next visit to Badass. Tasty and tolerant? Yes please. 

2. Be a part of the conversation at Junior College

University’s We Are and NGO Rainbow Support Service will be at the Junior College throughout today, selling rainbow cakes, bracelets and screening the movie Pride. 

They will also have stands in the foyer for students to get more information and speak to them.

3. Attend a short prayer vigil at the University Chaplaincy

The Drachma Parents’ Group is a Christian organisation which was established nine years ago with the aim to encourage and support not only LGBT people, but also their families. is the prayer vigil will also be followed by the sharing of family testimonies 

4. Share one of these images from IDAHOT’s official poster series

Venezuelan graphic designers Annakarina Cabello and Bergin Ortiz created a series of vibrant posters to celebrate IDAHOT 2017, and they’re urging people to share the love on social media. It only takes a click, but a little awareness can go a long way

5. Dance the week away at Malta’s biggest gay party

Lollipop‘s monthly super bash is back this Friday, and it’s the perfect end to IDAHOT week. Between the appearance of guest DJ Bubblegum Maria and it being Eurovision month, this one’s definitely going to be one fabulous night for the books.

6. Join a Q&A session between the LBGTIQ community and the main political parties

This Saturday, arc and MGRM are co-organising a Q&A session with the representative of the four main political parties about their electoral manifestos and the LGTBIQ community. LovinMalta will be moderating the session.

Tag your significant other and let’s help raise awareness on IDAHOT!

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David Grech Urpani

Lovin Malta's Head of Content, Dave has been in journalism for the better half of the last decade. Prefers Instagram, but has been known to doomscroll on TikTok. Loves chicken, women's clothes and Kanye West (most of the time).