Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1507380
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 SEPTEMBER 2023 NEWS ACKNOWLEDGING the sig- nificant contributions of LG- BTIQ+ veterans, this segment of Gayyaġni focuses on the work of MGRM (Malta LGB- TIQ Rights Movement) and LGBTIQ+ Gozo. By exploring their advocacy journey and the impact they have made on LG- BTIQ+ legislation in Malta, the series pays homage to the pio- neers who paved the way for the younger generation to express their queerness openly. We cannot talk about Malta's fight for civil liberties without meeting with Gabi Calleja. It was under her leadership as coordi- nator of MGRM that the lobby group secured legal changes that propelled Malta to the top of the ILGA Rainbow Index. We met with Gabi as she took us through the evolution of MGRM while giv- ing us her hot take on the rising anti-gender movement happening around the world. MGRM remains a force to be reckoned with today. We spoke with Senior Pro- gramme Officer Alex Caruana to hear about what the group is up to nowadays. Alex started off as an activist with Mov- iment Graffitti, but after coming out as trans eight years ago, LGBTIQ+ rights took on a newfound importance to him. Our last stop was with MP Randolph Debattista and MEP Cyrus Engerer, two former activists who took their fight for civil liberties into politics. They spoke to us about personal experiences of hate speech and other challenges they face when navigating the political landscape as queer politicians. THE exploration of sexual liberation within the queer community forms an essential part of Gayyaġni. Delving into this controversial movement, the series seeks to highlight the trials and tribulations faced by queer individuals in embracing their sexuality. By presenting these stories with- out objectification, Gayyaġni aims to foster understanding and acceptance. We first looked at fetish and kink by meeting up with Claudia Avellino, one of the organisers behind Harshmel- low, a local fetish/BDSM par- ty. Claudia showed us the ropes when it comes to navigating the naughtier side of sex, and that while being kinky is fun, informed consent and safety is key. Through Harshmellow, Claudia is trying to create a safe space for like-minded people to have a drink and dance, but also to educate the community on safe practic- es while getting freaky in the sheets. We also explored chemsex, the practice of using drugs to increase sexual pleasure. Nick Ebejer spoke to us on how they navigate chemsex and play parties within the queer community and the impor- tance of practicing safely, es- pecially by setting boundaries when sober and using contra- ception and safe words. Finally, we met with Undine LaVerve, the Sin-Sational Si- ren of the Mediterranean. Undine is Malta's leading bur- lesque performer – she first started organising monthly burlesque shows in 2015 and is now producing MalTease and has opened BAM, the Burlesque Academy of Malta. We managed to meet her for a quick chat just before she hit the stage for a burlesque show to speak on bodily em- powerment and liberation that burlesque can bring. Episode 3: Paying tribute to LGBTIQ+ veterans Episode 4: Navigating sexual liberation Exploring the vibrant world of Gayyaġni Left: Cyrus and Randolph Above: Gabi Calleja Right: Alex Caruana Clockwise from top left: Claudia, Undine, and Nicky