Malta’s Rainbow Fades: How We Dropped to Second in Europe’s LGBTIQ Index

Imagine this: St. George’s Square, a bustling hub of Malta’s capital, filled with rainbow flags and cheering crowds. It’s EuroPride 2017, and Malta is celebrating its newfound status as the first European country to legalise same-sex marriage. Fast forward to 2022, and the scene is quite different. Malta has slipped to second place in the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index. So, what’s changed, and where do we go from here?

From Trailblazer to Runner-Up: Malta’s Journey

In 2017, Malta was hailed as a beacon of progress. The island nation was the first in Europe to legalise same-sex marriage, and it seemed like nothing could stop its rainbow roll. But fast forward to 2022, and we’ve been overtaken by Belgium. The ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index, which ranks European countries based on their LGBTIQ rights, has placed Malta in second position.

So, what happened? Well, it’s not that Malta has taken steps backward. Instead, Belgium has made significant strides. They’ve introduced non-binary IDs, and their government has shown stronger commitment to LGBTIQ rights. Meanwhile, Malta has maintained its high standards but hasn’t introduced any new groundbreaking legislation.

Local Voices: Reactions from Malta’s LGBTIQ Community

We spoke to local activist and founder of Malta’s first LGBTIQ centre, Alex Decelis, who told us, “While it’s disappointing to see Malta drop to second place, it’s important to remember how far we’ve come. We were once a country where LGBTIQ people faced discrimination and even violence. Now, we’re a leader in the region.”

However, Decelis also acknowledges the need for more action. “We can’t rest on our laurels. There’s still work to be done, especially in areas like trans rights and mental health support for LGBTIQ youth,” he says.

What’s Next for Malta’s Rainbow Revolution?

Malta’s drop in the rankings serves as a reminder that progress is not linear. It’s a call to action, not a cause for despair. As we look ahead, there are several areas where Malta can reclaim its leading position:

• Trans Rights: While Malta was the first country to include ‘gender identity’ in its anti-discrimination laws, there’s still much to be done. Advocates are calling for self-determination in legal gender recognition and better access to healthcare for trans people.
• LGBTIQ Youth: Mental health support for LGBTIQ youth is a pressing issue. With high rates of depression and anxiety among young LGBTIQ people, more needs to be done to ensure they have access to appropriate care.
• Intersectionality: Malta’s LGBTIQ rights movement needs to be more inclusive. We must ensure that our progress benefits everyone, regardless of their race, religion, or socio-economic status.

In the words of local LGBTIQ activist, Emma Parnis, “Malta’s drop in the rankings is a wake-up call. We can’t afford to be complacent. We must keep pushing, keep fighting, and keep loving until everyone in Malta can live freely and equally.”