Today is the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. Up to just a few years ago, Malta was considered a backwater when it came to gay rights and recognition of same sex partnerships.

Fast forward just a few years and we have jumped right to the top of the LGBTQ index for civil rights and the gay community. It was a long time coming, but it was finally implemented. Malta, just like any other European country, has a vibrant and productive LGBTQ community. Many in the heterosexual community fully supported the idea of civil unions for gay couples, and even now, around 60% of the population now support the idea of civil unions being changed in name to gay marriage.

The hate crime laws have also done a lot to boost the stock of the community and offer them protection from discrimination, persecution and even violence. On paper it all looks good. And it is, Malta has made a huge improvement, both in terms of laws and in cultural outlook. Nowadays, being gay or lesbian does not turn heads, it is accepted and people are included in society. And that is the way it should be.

There are, of course, still sectors of society that will never accept gay people, gay couples and more so the idea of gay couples raising children.

However, although many expressed reservations about it at first, it is becoming more and more accepted as people see through the myths and gossip and look at people for what they actually are. Caring, doting and responsible parents who love their children. Their gender, sexual orientation and preferences have absolutely nothing to do with their qualities and capability of looking after and bringing up children.

But we still have some way to go. While Malta is basking in its new found liberalism, which was steered in by the current administration, there are others who are not so lucky. Gay men and lesbian women are still persecuted around the world, most notably in sub-saharan Africa, as well as the so-called Islamic State.

But things are a lot closer to home than we think. There are still a number of people who are frightened to come out, and tell their families, fearful of what they might think of them. There is, however, support out there. The Malta Gay Rights Movement can put people in touch with various support groups and counsellors who can help people who feel they have no one to talk to.

While the legal side of things has changed immensely, we still need to be more of an inclusive society. In truth, the battle against any sort of phobia will be won when we no longer have to preach about it, when being gay or lesbian is no different to a person’s hair colour or the type of fashion they choose to wear. Let us mark this day, but let us also mark this day every day. Inclusivity leads to social justice and social justice leads to serenity.