An LGBTQI strategy campaign will include a branded rainbow sticker which will be provided to businesses which indicate their welcome to LGBTIQ patrons said Dr Helena Dalli. The Minister for European Affairs and Equality addressed at the LGBTI + Tourism Summit on Friday, which was organised for the first time by the Malta Tourism Authority which was supported by ITB Berlin and IGLTA.
Dalli said that Malta currently lacks the typical venues that LGBTQI communities have access to in other parts of the world. She pointed out that this could be due to the fact that in pre-internet days, Malta had a closed mentality in regards to the LGBTQI, also that today more people are open and visible, that they do not feel the need for such venues are necessary. She said that it is the Governments duty to cater for LGBTQI tourists, especially since Malta has attracted a growing number of such tourists, that there must be more openness and inclusiveness. The LGBTQI strategy campaign will work towards being more inclusive and more details will be provided once the campaign is officially launched.
Raising awareness of LGBTQI communities on holiday
That Malta should welcome everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or gender expression and also regardless of race, disability, religion or age. Dalli points out that LGBTQI people come in a myriad of identities and therefore have different interests, and to make that they are served in the same high standard whilst abroad here as everyone else.
Businesses are already doing their part by raising the LGBTIQ flag on their premises and participating during the pride march itself. Others include LGBT people to be featured in their commercials and publicity, sending a message of welcome and anti- discrimination to the LGBTQI community.
Dalli reflected that numerous lesbians, transsexuals and bisexuals have opened up to her that many times they feel invisible when looking at holiday brochures or campaigns which are supposedly targeting LGBTQI people and not just the gay men community. She said that Malta should not overlook all the other letters within LGBTQI and to create niches that are equal on all boards. She goes on to say that there should be a balance of respecting the principles of equality whilst also highlighting innovation within business strategies.
Reflecting on achieved milestones within the LGBTQI community
In Malta all couples enjoy the same rights and are not barded from adopting a child due to the bases of their gender or sexual characteristics. Back in 2011 Malta ranked poorly in the International LGBTIQ indices, with only heterosexual marriage as a form of union recognition and without divorce. Since 2013 Dalli noted the numerous milestones achieved, where Malta for the third time running has retained the place at the top of the European Rainbow Index and registered with a current global gold standard by the office of High Commissioner for the Human Rights. The latest milestone has been the Civil Union Act in 2017 and that gay men will be able to donate blood in 2019.
She said that LGBTIQ people in Malta are protected from hate crime, hate speech, and have legal gender recognition within society and the workplace. There is a strong partnership between government and civil society, especially the LGBT consultative council. All individuals enjoy a right of the recognition of gender identity and the law protects everyone from conversion practices related to one's orientation, gender identity and gender expression.