Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/871892
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2017 News CORPORATE EVENTS TEAM BUILDING, SOCIAL EVENTS SEASONAL PARTIES... Looking for a venue-wi-a-difference for your event? Gianpula Village offers a range of original and unique venues perfect for creating at memorable occasion. To make an enquiry or book a show round call (356) 9974 8923 or email sales@gianpulavillage.com www.gianpulavillage.com This year's gay pride also honours Malta's number one ranking as the most LGBTI+ friendly country in Europe DENISE GRECH CHANGES in the law are not enough for people of different genders to feel accepted by soci- ety, Prime Minister and Labour leader Joseph Muscat told Mal- taToday during this year's Gay Pride march in Valletta. "The next step is to change people's mentality. The changes in the law are great but we need to make sure everyone knows that being part of the LGBTI+ community is very normal and should be accepted. The chang- es in the law are not enough," Muscat, on whose watch Malta introduced gay marriage, said. Also present were Cabinet members Helena Dalli, Silvio Parnis and Julia Farrugia Por- telli and outgoing PN leader Si- mon Busuttil and MP Claudette Buttigieg. Busuttil said he believed that this day showed that "we are one society... we are united." Pride organiser Russell Sam- mut told MaltaToday that he believes that the pride symbol- ises hope: "Today is a message to everyone that is coming out. There are so many people here supporting you, to accept you. You don't have to be afraid". St George's Square quickly filled up with members of the public, politicians and activists who came together in a colourful celebration of life and diversity. The mood was a visibly jovial and celebratory one, as crowds marched from St George's Square to Parliament. This year's Malta pride also honours Malta's number one ranking as the most LGBTI+ friendly country in Europe, ac- cording to statistics published by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). During the event, activists sought to raise awareness to improve and tackle LGBTI+ health related issues. The mood was a jovial one as people waved rainbow-coloured flags and balloons. Many sport- ed makeup and clothing featur- ing rainbows in celebration. "Today is the day we come to- gether as one spirit to celebrate love," said founder of LGBTI+ Gozo Eman Borg. "We're here to have fun to celebrate Malta's success in LGBTI+ rights." Monique Agius, spokesper- son for Partit Demokratiku told MaltaToday that "more needs to be done for transgender rights' health and education related to LGBTI+ rights, but we're mov- ing in the right direction". A giant rainbow flag was also unveiled as part of the celebra- tions. The parade was a culmination of a series of events organised throughout the week, which included football tournaments and conferences on topics such as mental health in the LGBTI+ community and sex workers rights. The event was organised by NGOs Allied Rainbow Commu- nities (ARC), Malta Gay Rights Movement, Drachma, We Are, LGBTI+ Gozo, Civil Society Network along with the Presi- dent's Foundation for the Well- being of Society. 'A message of hope to all those coming out' GAY PRIDE 2017 PHOTO JAMES BIANCHI