According to a research survey presented today, by LGBTI+ Gozo, 64% of Gozitans who responded said that they found it “difficult to be open in Gozo,”

The NGO explained that the major barriers that were presented in the survey were the influence of religious institutions on the community, stigmatisation and general mentality, and lack of support from society and family.

The survey also found that 77% of Gozitans believe “Malta is different than Gozo, in terms of the limitations Gozitans face, and lack of opportunities to access services, careers, and being equally open in Gozo.”

The study was undertaken by the NGO with 69 Gozitans or Maltese/Expats who live in Gozo.

Through this survey which was distributed in December last year, the organisation explored the barriers and difficulties faced by queer individuals who live in Gozo.

The result of the survey was that a number of statistical and narrative data were presented, they NGO said. The organisation’s goal is to use these findings to target the specific issues faced by queer people in Gozo.

The main findings revealed that the mean age of ‘`coming out” for Gozitans is 20 years of age; on the other hand, 50% of expats believe it is more difficult to be open in Gozo than their country of origin.

LGBTI + Gozo stated that it is not concretely presented whether being queer in Gozo is harder than in Malta, “however the general feeling of dissonance between the two islands is clear.”

Members who participated in this research survey communicated a number of needs in Gozo, which they identify as gaps in services: principally, more robust psycho-social services, more community spaces and educational conversations, support from family and friends, and guidance from other LGBTI individuals.

Additionally, when questioned about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the survey found a distinct split was experienced with 52% of Gozitan LGBTI being negatively impacted, with the remaining participants not being affected at all.

On the other hand, expats who live in Gozo asserted that the impact of Covid-19 was a negative experience (92%) of which 67% had poorer mental health.

Both Gozitan and expat LGBTI affected negatively mentioned themes related to isolation, poorer mental health, increased anxiety, lower self-confidence and lack of support.

92% of total participants had heard of LGBTI+ Gozo before this research survey with 59% have heard of the LGBTI+ Gozo support helpline and 71% of the respondents having heard of the recently launched Qawsalla Hub (open every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am onwards).

Additionally, some noted that the work done by LGBTI+ Gozo “had helped their own experiences as queer individuals in Gozo,” the NGO said.

Following this data, the organisation presented an action plan based on the needs and experiences of its respondents to adhere to offering services, projects and initiatives.

This 32 point action plan is presented into 4 themes; Community Building, Educational Awareness, Social Services and Regional Policy in Gozo.

The Action Plan for 2022-2026 is available to download by clicking here.

To view the results of the survey please click here.

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