Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1316125
13 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 9 DECEMBER 2020 OPINION THE Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM) turns 20 next year. The very idea of celebrating such an important milestone has been quite intimidating. How do we ap- propriately capture two decades' worth of achievements, not just for MGRM but also for the LGBTIQ+ community in Malta? It also makes you think introspectively. What is the legacy that we will be leaving behind when we turn thirty or fifty even? As fate would have it, the solution was to present itself in the blessing to the commu- nity that is the Ministry for Social Accom- modation. This Ministry has for a long time been a close ally of the LGBTIQ+ commu- nity yet we have rarely had the opportunity to sing its praises. Today however, we are happy to an- nounce that MGRM has entered into a lease agreement with the Ministry in order to manage the first LGBTIQ+ shelter in Malta. It might appear contradictory that MGRM will celebrate its achievements with a project that tackles homelessness. One would expect that consistently top- ping world rankings on LGBTIQ legal rights would logically mean that social ac- ceptance is also at a record high. There re- mains however a contrast between the legal rights we obtained and the lived realities of some people. This is well represented in a 2019 Euroba- rometer survey that places Malta well be- low EU average when it comes to parents' acceptance of their LGBTIQ children. For some, this has meant a rapid precipitation into homelessness. MGRM knows this reality all too well. Our Rainbow Support Services has been indispensable in its provision of free social work, counselling and legal assistance to members of the community. Yet as crucial as these services are, there are not enough words to describe the sense of helplessness we feel when we need to tell someone that unfortunately, when all shelters are full, we are unable to provide a solution. It is not uncharacteristic for one of our volunteers to offer a spare bedroom whilst we try to rush through the neces- sary legal arrangements in order to secure housing which is, understandably, in short supply. Even in these cases, the Ministry for Social Housing has been a godsend. One recent case that comes to mind is that of Romina (name changed for con- fidentiality reasons), a trans woman who became unemployed and subsequently homeless during the pandemic following a series of sudden health issues that left her unable to walk. A number of LGBTIQ organisations came together in order to try to find a solu- tion, and whilst housing applications were filed within a few hours, the process needed to run its course. The good news is that in the meantime, Romina found the help she needed, and she is living in accessible housing whilst re- building her autonomy. This new milestone means that MGRM will offer a more complete support system for the community. When a case such as the above reoccurs, we will have the ability offer a safe space, and provide all the sup- port the person needs. Importantly, this frees government resources from adminis- trative pressures by reducing their current waiting list, especially when an emergency situation like Romina's comes up. By making our house accessible, we will also ensure ease of access to the entire community in order to address the particu- lar needs of members of LGBTIQ people with disabilities. This addresses one of the most difficult, and most particular needs amongst the LGBTIQ community when it comes to achieving independence and who often are not given the agency they need in order to make their own decisions. We also commit to observing the neigh- bourhood by both respecting the archi- tectural integrity of the street but also by involving the community in our projects. Whilst we are blessed by an ever-increasing number of volunteers who offer their free time in order to help wherever possible, we are excited at the prospect of being more present in the local community. If you need support, call or message our Rainbow Support Service on (+356) 7943 0006. MGRM turns 20... two decades of achievements for the LGBTIQ+ community Joseph Grima Joseph Grima is a reprentative of The Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement (MGRM) There are not enough words to describe the sense of helplessness we feel when we need to tell someone that unfortunately, when all shelters are full, we are unable to provide a solution