The fifth edition of Gozo Pride 2026 took place on Saturday with the theme ‘Pride Without Permission,’ portraying a strong message in favour of the ”freedom, dignity and right of every person to be themselves without fear of discrimination, prejudice or exclusion.”

The event was attended by Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri and Minister for Equality and Civil Rights Rosianne Cutajar.

The Minister for Gozo, stated that Pride is more than an annual celebration, but represents a journey of courage, voice and change that has led our society to make important steps in the field of equality and civil rights.

He spoke about the progress made by Gozo in recent years, in particular the change in attitudes and the creation of an increasingly safe, open and inclusive environment for the LGBTIQ+ community.

Minister Camilleri continued by saying that this progress is the result of continuous work, changes in laws and attitudes, but also of the work of people and organisations who have worked for years in favour of equality and the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.

He explained that “progress is not measured only by the laws we pass or the policies we create. It is also measured by the daily experience of each person, by how safe they feel in their home, at work, at school, on the street and in their community. This year’s theme, ‘Pride without Permission,’ emphasises that freedom, dignity, respect and love do not need permission but are rights that every person has. And that is why we must continue to protect these rights.”

Minister for Equality and Civil Rights Rosianne Cutajar said that “this year’s Gozo Pride sends a clear and powerful message: that every person has the right to be who they are, to love who they love and to live with dignity, without needing permission, approval or validation from others. The progress we have achieved as a country in the field of equality and human rights deserves to be celebrated, but we should never take it for granted. Rights must be protected, strengthened and passed on to future generations.”

Roan Coughtry, Executive Member of LGBTIQ+, said that “we are not here just to celebrate, we are here to protest against injustice, discrimination and violence. We are here today as an act of visibility, remembrance and solidarity. History has shown us time and time again that rights are never guaranteed, they can be changed and taken away from us.”

Photo: DOI

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