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Malta is the LGPTIQ+ the friendliest country in the world – EuroPride 2023

Spartacus Gay Travel Index selected Malta as the most LGBTQ-friendly country in the world in 2023. Arch-conservative Catholic Malta made significant strides in recent years in recognizing and supporting LGBTQI issues. In promoting LGBTQ rights, Malta is considered one of the pioneers in Europe. Visit Malta pride month every September. Discover the mystical secrets of LGBTQI Malta History.

 

Table of contents

LGBTQI Malta – Quick Answer for Quick Readers.

  • Malta is hosting the pan-European EuroPride in 2023.
  • Since 2014, registered civil partnership including adoption rights is possible.
  • Malta was the first country in Europe to include the prohibition of discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in its constitution.
  • Malta pride month is annually in September.
  • Besides the beautiful weather, the progressive attitude makes Malta an attractive destination for LGBTQ people.

You can’t do much with LGBTQI or LGBTQ, or LGBTQ+?

All variations are used as abbreviations for

  • Lesbian
  • Gay
  • Bisexual
  • Transgender
  • Intersex
  • and Queer or Questioning

are used. The exact order and spelling vary and depend on the context and preference of the grouping. Few add additional letters, such as “A” for “Asexual” or “P” for “Pansexual”.

The Spartacus Gay Travel Index is an annually published ranking of the LGBT+ friendliness of 202 countries. LGBTQI+ travellers have been following it since 2012. The criteria are legal equality, public opinion towards LGBTQI+ and LGBTIQ+-friendly accommodations, bars, and events. 0 stands for severe violation of human rights, the death penalty, torture, and discrimination. The 100 adorns full respect for human rights and full equality. For years, the friendliest and most open-minded countries to LGBTIQs near 100 points have been Canada, Sweden, Netherlands Switzerland and Malta. Additionally, since 2020, the Spartacus Gay Travel Index has assessed the legal situation for queer people in 50 U.S. states.

Since 2009, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) has been compiling the Europe-Rainbow-MapIndex. ILGA maps the situation of the LGBTQI community in Europe. The sunny island nation in the Mediterranean Sea has topped the ranking of 49 European countries since 2015. Malta met the score of 92 percent in 2022.

Why are the islands of Malta a prominent destination for the LGBTQI community?

In recent years, Malta has become one of the emerging destinations for the LGBTQ community. The island in the Mediterranean Sea is known for its progressive rights towards LGBTQI people. In order to protect the LGBTQI group, the parliament enacted many laws and regulations.
Malta offers a variety of LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants, and hotels. The thriving LGBTQI community hosts the Malta Pride parade every year. September beckons with gorgeous weather, a warm climate and water temperatures above 24 degrees. The picturesque landscape makes Malta a perfect place for an LGBTQ-friendly vacation. The island offers a wealth of activities, including water sports, hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing on the beach. For LGBTQ travellers looking for a safe and welcoming environment, Malta is an ideal ex-pat and travel destination.

Which Maltese beaches does the LGBTQI community prefer?

  • Golden Bay Beach: this bay is known for its crystal clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. The secluded and picturesque small bays at Golden Bay are very popular among LGBTQ community.
  • Gnejna Bay: One of the most beautiful bays in Malta, Gnejna Bay is located on the western end of the island and is a rocky beach. The ideal place for gay sunbathers and bathers who prefer a natural environment.
  • St. George’s Bay: This sheltered swimming bay in vibrant St. Julians is a popular meeting place for the LGBTQI community in Malta.
  • Pretty Bay: One of the great beaches in Malta is Pretty Bay. There are many bars and cafés closer.
  • Ramla Bay in Gozo: The fine, red sand beach makes Ramla Bay one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The beach is ideal for LGBTQ people looking for a quiet, undisturbed environment.
  • Ghadira Bay: Another popular destination for Malta’s LGBTQ community is Ghadira Bay, the largest beach on the island. The beach offers clean facilities and crystal clear waters.

Malta’s beaches have an open and tolerant atmosphere where people of all sexual orientations are welcome. However, the above beaches are a great way for LGBTQ travellers to discover the most beautiful places on the island, safe and accepted.

 

Plakat Europride auf Malt 7.-17. September 2023

Come experience Europride Malta 2023 and celebrate with us!

A historic milestone for LGBTQI rights and a step towards acceptance and diversity

EuroPride is almost a historic event. Since 1992, the LGBTQI+ community has been at the centre of it. This year, Malta is looking forward to welcoming tens of thousands of guests as host of the largest LGBT-Q event in Europe. This is because thousands of people from all over the world already come every year for the annual Pride Month in September.

Europride Malta 2023 is just around the corner – be there and celebrate!

Book your EuroPride and find the cheapest journey

What kind of program does Malta offer at EuroPride?

The event will take place for 10 days. Numerous events include such as a parade, parties, cultural exhibitions, concerts, and lectures by LGBT-Q activists and experts, comprehensive the sun-flooded days.

EuroPride Slogan 20023: Equality from the Heart.

You can look forward to these highlights of EuroPride Malta 2023:
  • The Pride Parade is without a doubt the highlight of the event. Tens of thousands of participants from all over the world will gather on the streets of Valletta. The goal: to stand together for equal rights and an inclusive society. The parade will be accompanied by varied music, fancy costumes and impressive artistic performances. During EuroPride, numerous art and cultural exhibitions depict the history and experiences of the LGBT-Q community. Visit the cultural institutions and learn a lot about LGBTQI culture and history in Malta.
  • The event includes numerous concerts and parties where you can dance, have fun and experience a wide variety of artists and music genres. The events provide a great opportunity to connect with other LGBTQI communities and enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Knowledgeable experts and activists from the LGBT community appear during EuroPride and give talks and discussions. These events are a great opportunity to learn and learn more about current LGBT issues.
  • EuroPride in Malta culminates with the closing party. There will be an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and entertainment. The event is open to all and is a great opportunity to end the week in a positive and memorable way.

Malta Pride 2023 is a chance to experience island resorts and LGBT culture

St. Julian’s Visit the LGBT-friendly town of St. Julian’s. A popular destination for travellers looking to experience LGBT culture is Malta. The city offers numerous bars, clubs and restaurants, and with the Paceville district, 24/7 nightlife.Pride Parade Take part in the Pride parade and other events. Malta Pride offers a variety of events, including parties, parades, concerts, and lectures. Here, you can experience LGBT culture first-hand and connect with other like-minded people in a safe and supportive environment.Malta’s neighbouring islands of Gozo, Comino and St. Paul’s Island. Explore the Maltese Islands. Malta is famous for its stunning architecture, history, and beaches. You can explore the islands on your own or take guided tours to experience the culture and beauty of the islands.LGBTQI friendly accommodations There are many LGBT-friendly accommodations in Malta. The welcoming atmosphere at many hotels is located near major attractions and venues. From unique boutique hotels to vacation villas, there are many options to experience island life and LGBT culture.Malta Pride 2023 is a great opportunity to experience LGBTQI culture in Malta and get to know the Maltese islands and a thriving LGBT community.

What have been the previous venues of EuroPride since 1992?

1992 London (United Kingdom) 1993 Berlin (Germany) 1994 Amsterdam (Netherlands) 1995 Dropped out 1996 Copenhagen (Denmark) 1997 Paris (France) 1998 Stockholm (Sweden) 1999 Dropped out 2000 Rome (Italy) 2001 Vienna (Austria) 2002 Cologne (Germany) 2003 Manchester (United Kingdom) 2004 Hamburg (Germany) 2005 Oslo (Norway) 2006 London (United Kingdom) 2007 Madrid (Spain) 2008 Stockholm (Sweden) 2009 Zurich (Switzerland) 2010 Warsaw (Poland) 2011 Rome (Italy) 2012 London (United Kingdom) 2013 Marseille (France) 2014 Oslo (Norway) 2015 Riga (Latvia) 2016 Amsterdam (Netherlands) 2017 Madrid (Spain) 2018 Stockholm and Gothenburg (Sweden) 2019 Vienna (Austria) 2020 cancelled 2021 Copenhagen (Denmark) 2022 Belgrade (Serbia) 2023 Valletta (Malta) 2024 Thessaloniki (Greece)Source WorldPride and EuroÜride

Which EuroPride had the most visitors?

Madrid is the absolute leader, with an unprecedented 3 million visitors in 2017.

What were the top 5 EuroPride?

Madrid had the most visitors in 2017 and 2007. With 3 million and ten years earlier 2.5 million visitors, Spain is far ahead of third place Cologne. There were about 1,200,000 visitors there in 2002. Fourth place goes to Amsterdam with 560,000 visitors (source RTL Nieuws,). Closely followed by Hamburg, Love breaks barriers and Vienna (source ORF) with around 500,000 visitors.

Fancy a quiz on EuroPride and LGBTQI+ Malta?

 

You have solved the riddle question? Then click on the question, the answer will open.

You can't remember? Maybe you can find the answer in the FAQ.

In which city in Europe was the biggest EuroPride held?

Madrid has occupied the top two spots for EuroPride for 15 years. In 2017, 3 million visitors were mentioned.

When is the EuroPride in Malta?

Europride starts on Thursday, September 7 and ends on Sunday, September 17. It lasts for a total of 11 days.

Which country is considered the most LGBTIQ+ friendly country in the world?

The Spartacus Gay Travel Index has named Malta the most LGBT+ -friendly country in 2023. The European Europe-Rainbow Map Index also ranks Malta #1.

Enjoy the love in Malta – Malta LGBTQ Friendly Destinations

Malta has become one of the most popular destinations for the LGBTQI community in recent years. The island offers gorgeous beaches, crystal clear water and breathtaking scenery, as well as an open and tolerant atmosphere. It is considered by many to be very pleasant. In the capital Valletta there are bars, restaurants and clubs geared towards the LGBTQI community. There you can meet and party with like-minded people and experience Maltese culture up close. The cities of Sliema and St. Julian’s offer a relaxed atmosphere and are known for their hip bars and clubs. On the several kilometers-long sea promenades, one open-air pub follows the other to end the evening with a cocktail or a glass of wine. Malta is basically considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world. The crime rate is low and the people are friendly and open-minded. If you are looking for an LGBTQ-friendly destination, you will find Malta to be a beautiful, safe and tolerant country.

In conversation with Maltese LGBTQI activists: The work, that remains to be done

While Malta already has laws in place to protect the rights of the LGBTQI community. The Marriage Act and the Protection from Discrimination Act are well known. However, there is still prejudice and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people.

  • Gender identity is still a widespread problem in Malta. Some LGBTQI persons are affected by violence and discrimination based on their gender.
  • Some individuals within the LGBTQ community feel invisible and underrepresented in Malta. There is little awareness of the diversity of people within the LGBTQ community, and not everyone can live their identity openly.
  • Maltese LGBTQ activists state that there is still a lack of support for the LGBTQ community in Malta. Many organizations struggle to find financial support.
  • Barriers to accessing health and social care.

Despite these challenges, Maltese LGBTQ activists are working hard to achieve equality for the community. They advocate for a society where all people have equal rights, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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FAQ - Do you have questions about LGBTIQ+ in Malta? We'll give you some answers!

EuroPride is one of the largest LGBTIQ+ events in Europe. It is a Europe-wide offshoot of the Gay Pride movement, Christopher Street Day. Since 1991, Europride has been awarded to a European city by the “Association of European CSD Organizations”. In 2023, the European Pride event of the gay – and lesbian community will take place in Malta. The event is an important moment for the LGBTIQ+ community in Europe and a symbolic act of cohesion and solidarity.

The history of the LGBTIQ community in Malta is documented by the Art Nouveau buildings of the numerous Swiss architects of the early 20th century. At the Malta National Museum of Fine Arts, there is a collection of paintings and artwork by well-known LGBTQ painters and artists. Explore the cultural significance and art forms of Malta’s LGBTQ community there.

You can find useful tips on Malta as an LGBTIQ-friendly destination on the Malta Tourist Board’s travel guide. For more information on the queer scene in Malta and Gozo, visit gaymalta.com and gayguidemalta.com.

There are no exact figures on how many people attended the Pride Parade in Malta in early September 2022. However, the month of September was exceptionally well attended with almost 250,000 tourists. So we are left with the blanket statement: thousands of tourists and locals participated in the parades in Valletta and Gozo. The parade is supported in Malta and is considered an important step in promoting tolerance and diversity in Malta.

Celebrate 11 days of EuroPride from September 7 to September 17.

Are you missing a question about LGBTIO+ – Community in Malta?
Get in touch with us. We are sure we have the right answer.

Conclusion: Malta is the LGBTIQ+ number 1 in Europe!
Malta has been leading ILGA’s Europe-Rainbow-MapIndex for almost a decade. The Spartacus Gay Travel Index, observed worldwide by the LGBTQ+ community, ranked Malta #1 in 2023. Equality and protection from discrimination for the LGBTIQ community are not Sunday speeches in Malta. The small state in the Mediterranean has been protecting LGBTIQ+ people against discrimination and violence for years through its constitution and numerous laws. These positive developments make Malta a popular destination for LGPTIQ people. Malta presents its open and tolerant society with EuroPride 2023. There is no gay beach in Malta. However, plenty of idyllic beaches and bays are gay-friendly.

 

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