I have to admit, I was saddened and a bit unprepared to hear the news that Dr Helena Dalli would be nominated for the post of EU Commissioner. Somehow, I thought that, as long as the Labour Party would be in government, Helena Dalli would “watch over us”. I had the opportunity to meet her on a few separate occasions, and was always struck by her determination to keep moving forward and disregard those who want to keep Malta in the dark ages of inequality. Indeed, at ARC we feel that her tireless championing to push forward for true equality, in the face of populist adversity, is truly to be commended.
As I was still grieving over the news, my heart sank even deeper over the announcement that Dr Edward Zammit Lewis would be replacing her as the Minister for Equality. I thought to myself, “what can a man, who comes from a place of privilege, do for minorities if he is accustomed to being part of a majority?” However, to my positive surprise, in the days that followed his ministerial appointment, the LGBTQ NGOs were called up for a meeting to discuss the work being done and share our concerns.
In that hour, I was relieved to see the minister actively listening to our concerns and taking note to make sure there’s a follow-up action with the respective ministry or department. There was also a commitment from his part to support Malta Pride, a commitment that honestly took me by honest and happy surprise. Out of genuine delight, I asked the minister if he wanted to take a picture together holding the Malta Pride Flag, which I always carry around in my bag, to put on our social media before we part ways and continue with our day. Before I knew it, the news picked up a few angry comments and my spontaneous gesture suddenly became a national outrage.
Who knew that a symbol of a Nation and Diversity enmeshed in one flag would upset and offend so many? Setting aside the issue of tree-culling, the last time Malta saw such outrage was the AllWelcome campaign launched by the same ministry which included a rainbow-coloured sticker for businesses. Without going into the merits of that controversy, these rainbow colours, synonymous with the LGBTQ+ community, seem to be triggering a tantrum in this nation.
This brings me to the crux of the matter − Are we really an LGBTQ+ friendly country? Many are quick to start their sentences “I have nothing against gays…” and then continue their sentences with sugar-coated homophobic or transphobic innuendos. My conviction is that LGBTQ+ individuals in Malta are only tolerated as long as they conform to the terms and conditions imposed by a society ruled by straight men for straight men. Anything outside of that is shameful, vile and wrong.
Do you see Maltese same-sex couples holding hands and being affectionate in public in Malta? (I’m still too scared of the looks I get and the risk I put myself in the moment I hold the hand of my partner of 11 years); have you had an openly trans woman as your supervisor? (I’m sure many have respect for a trans clerk or a cleaner “because that’s their place”, but will your respect remain as soon as a trans woman is empowered to take a managerial role over you?). Where you among those who called out Gabi Calleja, “too angry”, “aggressive” or “emotional” (because it’s OK for men to hurl insults and throw punches at each other but a woman who is passionate enough to put her neck on the line for the entire LGBTQ+ community is seen as unnecessary).
People are saying this [the flag issue] has gone too far. I say we haven’t even come close yet to where we want to be. At this year’s Malta Pride we will be remembering 50 years since the Stonewall Riots happened in New York which birthed the Pride movement all over the world. I say our riots in Malta have yet to begin.
Happy Pride
Clayton Mercieca is the Community manager of Allied Rainbow Communities and coordinator of Malta Pride