The date and time of the funeral for Katya, the inspirational Maltese trans cabaret dancer and fashion icon who passed away on Monday, has been announced for this Friday at 2pm, at the Carmelite Church in Balluta.

The announcement was made by Allied Rainbow Communities, who are currently working on a tribute page dedicated to Katya that is set to be full of memories friends and loved ones shared with her.

They will also be hosting a wake in her honour following the funeral, at the nearby City of London Bar.

There was an outpouring of grief from Malta’s LGBTQ+ and fashion community at the news of Katya’s passing earlier this week

Among the many posts were tributes to her outspokenness and bravery.

“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.

Photo credit: James Mifsud

Photo credit: Maria Moller

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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]