The Nationalist Party, if elected to government, plans to work together with the Commission on Aging to conduct research that will lead to a better inclusion of elderly LGBT people in the community.

The aim of the research is to help identify recommendations in order to address the challenges and improve the quality of life for these people.

In a press conference, FOIPN President Jamie Vella, Vice-President Rebekah Cilia and FOIPN member Stanley Portelli announced a number of proposals to further assist in the inclusion of this community.

A Nationalist Party in Government will be investing in regional centres where activities aimed to help the integration of the LGBTIQ community in society. This would be possible with full collaboration with the various Non-Governmental and Voluntary Organizations working in this field.

“We know for a fact that many elderly LGBTIQ people had to hide their identity, and come from generations where homophobic crimes were more common, but today we know very little about the permanent effects this trauma has had on them. We also hear of cases of LGBTIQ seniors who, for fear of being rejected, as soon as they become more dependent on family, carers or assisted living facilities, choose to hide their identity again,” the PN said.

The PN elaborated how whilst Malta's ranking as a leading country in the field of LGBTIQ rights is very good, it is important to keep in mind that achievements in the field of civil rights and equality are never guaranteed and need continued strengthening and that is why it has put forward a number of proposals to further the inclusion of the LGBTIQ community.

A Nationalist Government will also be investing in a GU Clinic will adequate funding and staff to be able to perform its duties in the best possible way.