Malta’s Rainbow Flag Flutters Lower: A Second Place in Europe’s LGBTIQ Index

St. George’s Square, Valletta, was a sea of colour last Pride month. But as the rainbow flags waved, so did a new reality: Malta is no longer Europe’s top LGBTIQ haven. We’ve dropped to second place. So, what’s changed, and what does this mean for our little island nation?

From Top Spot to Second Place: The Numbers Game

Malta’s drop from first to second place in the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index might seem like a small shift, but it’s a significant one. The index, released annually, ranks European countries based on their legal and policy practices towards LGBTIQ people. In 2021, Malta scored 91%, just one point behind Belgium, which took the lead.

Malta’s score hasn’t decreased; it’s just that other countries have caught up. This is a testament to our progressive past but also a call to action for our present and future. We’ve set the bar high, and now it’s time to keep raising it.

Local Voices: Reactions from the LGBTIQ Community

I spoke to Alex, a long-time resident of Msida, who’s been a part of Malta’s LGBTIQ scene for decades. “Malta’s drop in the rankings is a wake-up call,” they said. “We’ve been complacent, thinking we’re the best because we were once number one. But progress isn’t a destination; it’s a journey.”

Over in Paceville, I met with Lisa, a young activist who’s been vocal about the need for more inclusive education. “We need to do better, especially in our schools,” she said. “We can’t just tick boxes; we need to create a culture of acceptance and understanding.”

What’s Next? at Malta’s LGBTIQ Future

Malta’s drop in the rankings isn’t a reason to despair. It’s a reason to double our efforts. We’ve shown Europe what’s possible. Now, we need to show them what’s next.

Our government has committed to reviewing and updating our laws to better protect and support LGBTIQ people. We need to hold them to this promise. We need to push for better education, better healthcare, and better representation. We need to keep our rainbow flag flying high, not just in St. George’s Square, but in every town and village across Malta.

As Alex put it, “We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got a long way to go. And I, for one, can’t wait to see where we’ll be in another ten years.”

So, Malta, let’s not dwell on the drop. Let’s celebrate our progress, learn from our peers, and keep moving forward. Because our rainbow flag deserves to fly higher than ever.