The annual Gay Exiles’ Soldier Award honours and recognises highly contributing members of the community who fight for equal rights. The award credits exemplary individuals or groups for their dedication to promote human rights.

David Simchik, president of Gay Exiles stated that the Soldier Award aims to “empower individuals who demonstrate a significant effort to help advance minority rights and who have represented a positive role model to others”.

Mr Simchik goes on to explain that “although a great number of people deserve a great deal of recognition for advancing the rights of minorities, only one recipient each year is selected through a democratic voting system in which members of the public can participate”.

Social and developmental psychologist Antoine Spiteri emphasised the importance of such an award because “it demonstrates our gratitude and encourages a sense of personal pride”. Mr Spiteri added that “empowerment and recognition are important to members of minority groups because they provide motivation and drive in a world that can often leave them feeling undervalued and disheartened”.

Recipient of last year’s Soldier Award was Gabi Calleja, who was honoured at the annual Valletta Gay Pride for her tireless fight to help advance equality for all.

Your nominations can be sent by email to: [email protected] or through the website www.gayexiles.info by 15 March.

In your response please include the name of one nominee, along with their contact email, phone number, address, your name and the name of the organisation you represent. Please also include a brief description (less than 500 words) of why you or your organisation believe this nominee should be selected to receive the Soldier Award? Include also any facts, figures, contributions, special honours, other material that will be of assistance to the selection committee and a Curriculum Vitae if one is available. The identity of voters will remain confidential.

Gay Exiles thanks the MGRM and the Maltese Gay Community for its support.