‘Groundbreaking Video’ Documents The Lives Of Maltese Same-Sex Families
This afternoon, a beautiful video was shared by the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, an NGO set up by Malta’s President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca three years ago. In the 14 minute short film, five Maltese families who all belong to the LGBTIQ community detailed their lives and experiences.
The video was produced by PFWS with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The video was also instantly received very positively, and was soon receiving positive comments from a large group of NGOs making sure that same-sex people in Malta get the rights they deserve; Gender Equality Malta – GEM, Rainbow Support Service, MGRM, We Are – The University of Malta LGBT Society, LGBTI + Gozo, Gender Liberation, and ARC – allied rainbow communities.
The video starts with Stephen and Kris, who became the first Maltese same-sex couple to adopt a baby, the adorable Ben (who also happens to have Down Syndrome). “In a way, we didn’t adopt him. He adopted us,” the couple said.
The video moves on to document the stories of other families, like Ana and Jane. 18 years ago, Jane had a daughter Nicole, and although the girl’s father is still on very good terms with her mother, Jane now lives with Ana, who’s also glad she lives in a way more open country than Russia when it comes to these issues.
A similarly heartwarming story is later brought up when David tells the story of how, after he and his wife had Solange, he had gone through a very confusing phase in his life. Years down the line, however, David, Solange and Jason now lead a very happy life as one family.
Graziella’s story about how her experiences after adopting little Ben is definitely one of the most adorable things ever. “It was the greatest thing that I’ve ever experienced, and thanks to him, being a mother is the most beautiful thing in the world,” Graziella said.
“You can count pets as family as well,” the young boy added, clearly showing all he’s learnt thanks to his adoptive mother. “That’s what comes up in my mind as family,” he shrugs.
Paul is a single gay father of two, Hannah and Emily, and it’s great to hear what the daughters have to say about their father coming out. They also explained just how much this didn’t break the family apart; if anything, in fact, it brought them even closer together. “When I think of my father, I don’t think of him as my ‘gay parent’, or my ‘gay father’. His sexuality is not of interest to me. It was emotional for us on his behalf, but that’s it.”
“Whenever there were any school events, he was the only parent always there,” Paul’s daughters added.
“PFWS is so proud to have championed this important initiative, which highlights
the lived experiences of LGBTIQ families, said Dr Ruth Farrugia, the Director General of the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society. “We hope this video will increase a senseof inclusion and participation among all families in the Maltese Islands”.
At one point, the short film quotes Her Excellency Marie-Lousie Coleiro Preca’s comments on family and sex-same couples. “Families are all unique. They are the heart of our society, providing love and stability. To have a family is one of life’s greatest blessings.”
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