LGBTI+ Gozo said that it will be hosting the 4th annual Gozo Pride March on Saturday, the 6th of September, in Victoria, for their “yearly celebration of love, acceptance, and diversity. This year, we are returning Pride to its protest roots at a time when LGBTIQ+ rights face growing threats worldwide.”

The organisation said that “the first Pride march stood as a protest against brutality, discrimination, and stigma, and today, Pride still remains both a celebration and an ongoing cry for equality and justice.”

LGBTI+ Gozo stated that “with far-right populism and anti-gender narratives on the rise across Europe and beyond, Pride in Gozo sends a clear message: rights once won can still be taken away, and solidarity across borders is essential. Even here in Malta, though number one on the Rainbow Index, LGBTIQ+ people still encounter discrimination, aggression, and bigotry just for being themselves. Pride serves as a beacon for those who face such rejection on a daily basis and reminder that they are not alone.”

The week-long Gozo Pride programme runs from between the 2nd and 14th of September and will include a variety of events such as workshops, creative events, community activities, and social gatherings, taking place at various locations.

LGBTI+ Gozo said it will also officially launch the island’s first LGBTIQ+ focused art exhibition Bejn l-Imhabba u l-Glieda – ‘Between Love and Struggle,’ at the Citadella Cultural Centre on Friday, the 5th of September.

The organisation said that the exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in Malta and celebrates both queer Gozo-based artists and allies, and Ireland’s LGBTI+ diaspora. Running until the 14th of September, the exhibition will feature the travelling installation Out in the World curated by EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

Saturday, the 6th of September marks the heart of Pride with a full day of activities, including the 2nd Pride Village at the Villa Rundle Gardens from 10am – 1pm, “where the island’s leading LGBTIQ+ services will be present at this vibrant queer-market to share resources, information, and Pride gear,” the organisers said.

The 4th Annual Gozo Pride March will start at 7pm on Triq ir-Repubblika, with the march heading to Independence Square, where performances and comments from leading stakeholders will follow. The celebrations continue into the event with a Pride After Party of drag, burlesque, and music at the Flamingo Club.

The full programme of Gozo Pride events can be found on the website. The 2025 Gozo Pride March and Pride Village is sponsored in part by the Human Rights Directorate, within the Office of the Prime Minister -Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue, and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning.

LGBTI+ Gozo concluded by saying that “Pride in Gozo is not only for the LGBTIQ+ community. It is for anyone who believes that no one should be bullied, silenced, or denied rights because of who they are. All people who believe in love, compassion, and acceptance are encouraged to join in their brightest colours.”

Photo: LGBTI+ Gozo

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