Malta Makes History with First Mediterranean Academic Journal on Gender and Sexuality

**University of Malta Launches Ground-Breaking Academic Journal on Gender and Sexuality**

The University of Malta has announced the launch of a pioneering academic journal dedicated to gender and sexuality studies, marking a significant milestone for the island nation’s academic and LGBTQ+ communities. The publication, titled “Journal of Mediterranean Gender and Sexuality Studies,” will serve as the first peer-reviewed academic platform of its kind in Malta and the broader Mediterranean region.

The journal’s debut comes at a pivotal moment for Malta, which has emerged as a progressive leader in LGBTQ+ rights within Europe. Having topped ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Index for seven consecutive years, Malta’s investment in academic discourse around gender and sexuality reflects the nation’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of equality legislation and social acceptance.

Dr. Marceline Naudi, coordinator of the university’s Gender Studies programme and founding editor of the journal, described the publication as “a natural evolution of Malta’s journey toward becoming a more inclusive society.” Speaking at the launch event held at the Valletta campus, Naudi emphasized that “academic research must keep pace with social change, providing evidence-based insights that can inform policy and public discourse.”

The journal will publish biannually, featuring research from Mediterranean scholars alongside international contributions. Its interdisciplinary approach encompasses sociology, law, psychology, history, and cultural studies, reflecting the complex intersections of gender and sexuality across different academic fields.

Local LGBTQ+ activists have welcomed the initiative as validation of Malta’s vibrant queer community. “This isn’t just an academic exercise,” said Clayton Mercieca, community manager at Allied Rainbow Communities. “Having our experiences documented and analyzed academically helps legitimize our struggles and achievements. It shows younger Maltese that their identities are worthy of serious scholarly attention.”

The publication arrives as Malta continues to grapple with the tension between its traditionally Catholic heritage and its modern identity as a secular, progressive state. Recent years have seen significant shifts in public attitudes, with 2023 surveys indicating that 78% of Maltese citizens support same-sex marriage – a dramatic increase from just 18% in 2006.

Professor JosAnn Cutajar, who contributed to the journal’s inaugural issue, noted that “Malta’s transformation provides a unique case study for understanding how small island nations can rapidly evolve on social issues. Our journal offers a platform to examine whether Malta’s model could be replicated elsewhere in the Mediterranean, where LGBTQ+ rights remain contested.”

The first issue includes articles examining Malta’s gender quota legislation, the experiences of transgender individuals navigating the island’s healthcare system, and comparative analyses of LGBTQ+ activism across Mediterranean islands. Notably, several contributions come from young Maltese researchers, suggesting a new generation of scholars engaged with gender and sexuality issues.

Education Minister Clifton Grima attended the launch, praising the journal as “evidence of Malta’s maturation as a knowledge-based society.” He announced that the journal would be made freely accessible to all University of Malta students, ensuring that future professionals across disciplines engage with gender and sexuality perspectives.

The journal’s editorial board faces the challenge of balancing academic rigor with accessibility to ensure findings reach beyond university walls. Plans are underway for public lectures and community workshops to translate academic insights into practical applications for Maltese society.

As Malta continues to attract LGBTQ+ tourists and international students drawn by its reputation for inclusivity, the journal positions the island as not just a destination for sun-seekers but as a serious contributor to global discussions on gender and sexuality. With its unique Mediterranean perspective, the publication promises to offer fresh insights into how regional cultures navigate questions of identity, belonging, and equality in the 21st century.

The first issue is available now through the University of Malta library system, with digital access planned for later this year.