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11 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 JULY 2023 impact on children attending Pride events ticipated in the events being organised in the capital. During the event, a flash mob routine, which had been announced for weeks, was thought to those present. Chil- dren were also present. Despite the event happening the Saturday before, a blurry photo from behind the stage featuring drag artist Olivia Lilith sent conservative voic- es, alarmed by the photo, into overdrive on social media late on Monday. Organisers said the event aimed to raise awareness on the fight for equality and looked to bring together different groups in society for the cause. All children were accompanied by a parent or guardian and had given their consent to being filmed. The out of context photo, shared by household names such as presenter John Bun- dy, Gzira mayor Conrad Borg Manche and Nationalist MP Justin Schembri spread like wildfire, as Facebook commen- tors started sounding the alarm bells on how "children should be left alone". The at times hysterical voices made it sound as if being gay is a disease that can 'infect' chil- dren. But specialists have disagreed with such claims, insisting ex- posure to such events can only benefit children. "It all depends on how parents react to certain situations that will determine how children learn to react to those same situations," Farrugia Debono said. "Children are very adaptable to whatever context they are born into, but of course they will look at their parents as a point of reference." Bartolo said exposure to LG- BTIQ+ events provide children with a broader understanding of human diversity, promoting acceptance and empathy. "It does not have a direct impact on an individual's sexual devel- opment during puberty." Farrugia Debono also slammed the online reaction to the event. "It is unfortunate that there has been this reaction, as it really shows that our society is still struggling with these issues. The laws have been changed but society is slow- er to change… and this is evi- dence of that," she said. Raised by same-sex parents The online debate on the pho- to expanded to such an extent that it began to encompass oth- er related issues as well. One of the main issues raised was the effect same-sex parents have on their children. The specialists said claims of such an upbringing having a negative effect on children's mental and sexual develop- ment are completely baseless. "Same-sex parents provide nurturing, supportive, and loving environments for their children, and children raised by same-sex parents exhibit similar levels of psychological adjustment, self-esteem, and overall well-being as children raised by different-sex par- ents," Bartolo, who is a sex and relationship therapist, said. As for the impact on their outlook on sex later in life, there is no evidence to suggest that children raised by same- sex parents have a different or negative perspective on sex compared to those raised by different-sex parents. "Sexual orientation is not determined or influenced by the sexual orientation of one's parents. What matters most in shaping a child's outlook on sex and relationships is the quali- ty of parental guidance, open communication, and compre- hensive sex education that pro- motes healthy attitudes, con- sent, and respect for oneself and others," he said. Debono said research shows its society which ends up cre- ating distress for these individ- uals. "All research points to the fact that children raised by same sex parents fare well psy- chologically but can experience prejudice. So again, it is the way society reacts that creates the distress," she said. Drag queen Olivia Lilith The Pride event held in Valletta was a dance and fun spectacle open to everyone but a photo of drag queen artist Olivia Lilith performing on stage in front of children was taken out of context creating a misinformation frenzy on social media Above: Family therapist Roberta Farrugia Debono and sex and relationship therapist Matthew Bartolo "Sexual orientation is not determined or influenced by the sexual orientation of one's parents" - Matthew Bartolo