Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546437
9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 4 SEPTEMBER 2026 CULTURE Gozo Pride 2026 launches under the theme: Pride Without Permission LGBTI+ Gozo announces the fifth annual Gozo Pride 2026, taking place on Saturday 5 September, under this year's theme: Pride Without Permission LGBTI+ Gozo will hold the fifth annual Gozo Pride on Saturday 5 September, with this year's event centred on the theme Pride Without Permission. The NGO said the theme is intended to underline that LG- BTIQ+ people should not need anyone's approval to live open- ly, love freely and enjoy equal dignity and rights. "Each year, we hear the same questions: 'LGBTIQ+ people have equal rights now. Why do you still need Pride? Isn't Pride just a street party?'" LGBTI+ Gozo said. The NGO stressed that Pride is not simply a celebration, but has its roots in protest against discrimination, injustice and violence. According to LGBTI+ Gozo, the rights enjoyed by LGBTIQ+ people today were secured through decades of activism by individuals who challenged discrimination, and cannot be taken for granted. "History has repeatedly shown that rights are never guaran- teed. They can be challenged, weakened or taken away," the NGO said, pointing to recent developments in parts of Eu- rope and the United States as evidence of how quickly hard- won freedoms can come under pressure. LGBTI+ Gozo also highlight- ed the situation internationally, noting that consensual same- sex relationships remain crim- inalised in dozens of countries, with some jurisdictions still im- posing the death penalty. "Trans and gender-diverse people continue to face dis- crimination and exclusion, while the NGO said bullying, hate speech and violence re- main concerns closer to home," the NGO said. LGBTI+ Gozo said this year's theme is a declaration that "no- body needs permission to exist authentically, to love openly, or to live with dignity". It also rejected what it described as a "false narrative" that Pride seeks to indoctrinate society. "Sexual orientation and gen- der identity are not matters of persuasion or ideology," LG- BTI+ Gozo said, adding that Pride aims to create visibility, foster understanding and re- mind society that equality re- mains an ongoing responsibil- ity. The NGO said Pride should also serve as an opportunity to stand with people who continue to experience discrimination, remember those who fought for LGBTIQ+ rights in the past, and work towards a society where future generations will not have to hide who they are. Further information and the event programme are avail- able at www.lgbtigozo.com/ gozo-pride. Gozo Pride 2025 in Victoria, Gozo