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Malta’s pride month calendar
Traditionally, September is packed full to the brim with exciting pride-related events. The month commemorates the hardships, love and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted the breaks on all pride events, ranging from marches, to street parties, to gatherings, to parties.
The Allied Rainbow Community, the organisation at the heart of all things pride, said: “Cancelling the Pride March and the gatherings that come along with pride week may seem trivial for many who don’t belong to the LGBTIQ community or have never attended Pride. It is that one time of the year where we feel less isolated and more connected.”
Despite the ever-increasing COVID-19 restrictions, a number of events and initiatives, in aid of the community, have been launched, offering pride-goers with alternative options.
First up:
moffie
When? 11, 13, 19 September
Where? Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta
Time? 730 – 1130pm
A film screening of the beautifully cinematographed queer war movie, which will make you feel all kinds of ways.
To be a ‘moffie’ is to be weak, effeminate, illegal. The year is 1981 and South Africa’s white minority government is embroiled in a conflict on the Angolan border. Sponsored by Spazju Kreattiv Cinema and ARC.
are you proud?
When? 17, 27 September
Where? Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta
The Are You Proud? documentary brings together rare archive footage and interviews from across the spectrum of historical campaigns to celebrate the LGBTQ movement’s landmark protests against homophobia and transphobia
Tattoos for pride
rural farmhouse, selmun palace
Photo: James Bianchi
flash tattoos
Photo: Modern Tribe Tattoo Studio
flash tattoos
Photo: Modern Tribe Tattoo Studio
When? 18 September
Where? Modern Tribe Tattoo Studio, Birkirkara
The second edition after a successful event last year, Tattoos for Pride is back. Last year, they worked for 13 hours straight, together with everyone who participated. They raised and donated €920. With your help, they aided queer individuals, combatted homelessness and installed a ramp in the MGRM office, making it more accessible for all. Due to the current situation, the event cannot host walk-ins. 100% of the profits from the two flash sheets posted will be donated to the MGRM. Prices range from €60-€200 and are available on a first come first served basis. The event is supported by Malta Pride
Bears & friends gathering
When? 20 September
Where? Maori, Valletta
Time? 7pm onwards
A gathering for bears and friends is taking place at Maori on Sunday, from 7pm onwards. Everyone is welcome however, limited seating is available on a first come first served basis due to COVID-19 mitigation measures
HIV Rapid testing and consultation
approaching selmun/IMĠIEBAĦ bay
Photo: James Bianchi
When? 22, 24, 25, 29, 30 September
Where? Volunteer Centre, Valletta
The Health Department, in conjunction with doctors and nurses from the GU Clinic will be offering rapid testing for HIV and consultation on PrEP use. In view of COVID-19 measures, walk-ins will not be permitted. Appointments must be made in advance
“We invite public buildings and businesses to hoist pride flags and display pride colours, donate to LGBTQ+ organisations to keep doing their work, collaborate with them to create more sensibility, use your socials to share your message of pride,” said the Allied Rainbow Community.
