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After Pride: It’s Time For Malta To Do More When It Comes To The Global LGBT Stage

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This year’s Malta Pride sent some strong messages with sassy slogans, introspective placards and an incredible turnout – but one couple’s message has spread far and wide due to its particular poignancy.

Tunisian lovers Chakib and Dali walked alongside the 8,000-strong Pride celebrants in Valletta last week, carrying one sign each.

Chakib’s sign read: “Risking three years in jail and more in Tunisia… Do we need a recommendation letter from our government to get the protection?”

His partner Dali’s sign was even more straight to the point: “The other part of the Mediterranean can not celebrate the Pride.”

As thousands celebrated the freedom to love whoever they wanted in Malta, the couple’s signs were a stark reminder of the serious dangers many within the global LGBT community face.

The image of the two proudly walking with their heads held high and their thoughts displayed on placards for the world to see has since been shared by some of Malta’s most prominent activists.

“To all those who believe Pride is just a frivolous display of obnoxious colours,” one person said as they shared the image. However, the idea of celebrating when so many others still suffered hung heavy in the air for many Pride-goers.

Pride has always been about recognising a group of people who have historically been sidelined and silenced.

While Malta has made leaps and bounds in gay rights, though there’s still much to be done, hearing the perspective of a gay couple who still face jail time and abuse in a country so close to our own is a strong and needed reminder that many people still live under fear of persecution, just for who they love.

Chakib and Dali have been in Malta for two years, yet still do not have any proper documents and remain in legal limbo. Unsure of the future, they may be sent back to Tunisia, where LGBT rights are not as respected. In their homeland, they may face jail time and near-certain violence.

Though Malta is small, it holds a newfound influence when it comes to LGBT rights, and it is time that Malta used it for the greater good.

1. Helena Dalli should properly utilise her power as EU commissioner for equality.

Helena Dalli was central to pushing through seminal pro-LGBT legislation in Malta, at a time when the country was still reticent when it came to gay rights. She can do this again, but on an international scale, with the right political will.

Though she has yet to be officially given the role, this would be a legacy-making move, and bring a better quality of life to countless people in different countries.

In this way, Malta’s own commissioner can apply pressure across the European bloc and beyond, ensuring more equal rights are given to all minority groups, even going so far as to use her official capacity to reward and punish states that are not in line with EU policy.

2. Malta has shown the world it can stay deeply religious, while also strongly pro-LGBT.

Malta’s known for being staunchly Catholic – but that doesn’t mean the island can’t be religious while being accepting.

Let’s not forget that Malta is where Drachma, an NGO that provides a safe and open space to all LGBT people of faith, was set up.

Though there might be some remnants of a more conservative time, there are even members of the clergy who have spoken in favour of the gay community, and these fresh approaches are something that can be taken to other deeply religious countries in the region.

3. Politically, Malta is a diplomatic country known for building bridges, and it can bring different stakeholders to the table.

Bush and Gorbachev meeting during the historic Malta Summit

Bush and Gorbachev meeting during the historic Malta Summit

The literal stepping stone between North Africa and Europe, Malta has strong diplomatic ties with incredibly varying nations, from Libya to China to the UK.

Just as Malta was able to serve as a bridge between the US and the USSR at the end of the Cold War, the island can serve as a literal safe space for these countries to begin looking into more progressive policies.

4. It is time to create an LGBT-refugee program for survivors from repressive countries.

We are all aware of atrocities committed against and repressive policies aimed at LGBT people everywhere from Chechnya to Tunisia to Brunei.

With Malta already proving itself as a safe haven for LGBT people who are attacked by their very own government, Malta can take it even further, officially offering help and a home to people who face injury, prison, or death, just because of the way they love.

Do you think Malta can be doing more to support the LGBT cause worldwide?

READ NEXT: Malta’s Archbishop ‘Unlikes’ LGBT Parade Photo And Claims He Had Liked It By Mistake

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]

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