A pioneering cabaret artist in the 70s and an icon for the local LGBTQ+ movement, Katya (also known as Kaka) has passed away. Local members of the LGBTQ+ community and many others took to social media this morning to pay tribute to her.

According to Gay Malta, Katya was a trailblazer and “she dared cross very dangerous waters in a time where the Island was still very conservative.” Prominent personalities such as fellow transgender icon and LGBTQ+ personality Karly Naudi, and designer Charles Van Maarshalkerweerd Borg, along with close friends and fans, have expressed their grievance and sorrow at Malta’s loss.

In a Facebook post, Naudi wrote: “Even though we only met a couple of times, I want to thank you for helping me understand who I truly am and inspiring me with your style, poise and incredible strength. Your light will continue to shine upon us all and I will continue to push boundaries for our fellow transgender brothers and sisters like you did. I’m sure heaven became much more glamorous the second you stepped in.”