Cover photo left: Kris Micallef

Katya, a cabaret performer and trailblazer in the Maltese LGBTQ+ scene, has passed away, leaving the local community shocked and saddened at her sudden death.

Known as someone who pushed the boundaries in live performances as far back as the 1970s, she was beloved and recognised as an icon in the Maltese gay community.

Prominent LGBTQ+ personalities such as Karly Naudi as well as friends and fans have taken to social media to express their sorrow at Malta’s loss

GayMalta.com, which is powered by the Allied Rainbow Communities, is collecting memories of Katya ahead of creating a page dedicated to her

“We are saddened to hear about the passing of Katya, better known as Kaka by her friends and loved ones. She was an iconic performer in the 70s with her cabaret sensual moves in clubs around Malta and London. Katya is also recognised as a trailblazer and an icon for the LGBTQ+ movement in Malta as she dared crossing very dangerous waters in a time where the island was still very conservative,” they said in a post.

Katya will be remembered for her bravery in conservative Malta, standing up for gay rights when few others would

Above photos by James Mifsud, Charles Van Maarschalkerweerd Borg

Picture credit: Daniela Smith

Pictured above: A poster for one of her cabaret shows at Tigullio in the 1970s

RIP Katya

Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]