Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/899902
8 News AMY MICALLEF DECESARE MALTA made a radical about- turn in 2013 when this conserva- tive island rushed to the top of Europe's gay rights index. But in progressive 2017, the gay com- munity is still wondering how the gay club circuit became ever more restricted to less and less establishments. For a long time, Malta's staunch Catholic society made the pros- pect of gay marriage an impos- sible dream. Since Labour's elec- tion, Malta has gallopped to the top of the charts of the Interna- tional Lesbian Gay Association's Rainbod Index for gay rights in Europe. From the decriminalisa- tion of homosexuality in 1973, to the legalisation of same-sex marriage earlier this year, the country's top spot has been well deserverd. What it is lacking in however, is the presence of gay clubs, bars and hangouts, especially in the last couple of years. MaltaToday spoke with bar owners, party organisers and reg- ular club-goers to get a glimpse of the gay party scene, finding that a shift from club to event and veritable thinning-out of the 'gay culture' that the club represents. TV presenter Ray Calleja, the former manager of monaliza bar, has a rosy view of the situation, explaining that he believes that many gay establishments have closed down because there's sim- ply no need for them anymore. "A lot has changed and I think it's a positive thing. We now live in a society where you can go any -where and still be yourself and feel comfortable "20-30 years ago, gay people had no choice but to go to secret clubs and bars but nowadays, there's really no need. We can go out wherever we like, depending on the mood". Philip Fenech, president of tourism, hospitality and leisure at the General Retailers and Traders Union (GRTU) echoed Calleja's sentiments, claiming that "gay people are more liber- ated now and everything is legiti- mised, meaning that gay people can finally be integrated into the mainstream". The entertainment industry is by its very nature fickle, with the turnover of clubs in the local scene generally tending to be fre- quent. "Especially when it comes to gay clubs," Fenech adds. Like with anything else, the market will always dictate – it will serve a need, if there is one. "We now live in a time where everyone's out of the closet, which made club owners and promoters think there would be a great demand for gay clubs. The reality seems to be the exact opposite", Fenech said. When it comes to particular segments of the LGBTIQ com- munity, however, such as those who identify as transgender, or those who would much rather spend their Friday nights dressed to the nines in drag, the same may not necessarily apply. "It's an extremely particular market. Will they ever feel 100% accepted and comfortable in a stereotypically straight environ- ment?" Fenech asked, saying he said he has his doubts. As does clubgoer and Lovin' Malta reporter Chucky Bartolo. Although he acknowledges that great strides have certainly been made, "we're just not there yet", Bartolo says. "There's still a slight sense of fear. And I think there always will be. Though I'm happy that people are much more accepting, I sim- ply don't feel comfortable walk- ing into 'straight' clubs holding my boyfriend's hand." There's definitely a dire need for such spaces, agrees party enthusi- ast, Krissie Sammut. "Of course there's been pro- gress, but that isn't the point. The issue we're dealing with here is the need for gay people to have their very own space to be com- pletely and utterly themselves. This comes with being around people who have similar experi- ences and thoughts" "If you're a Manchester sup- porter, would you feel comforta- ble celebrating a win in a Juventus club?" asked promoter and half of maltatoday SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017 HAVE YOUR SAY (Phase 1) OPEN PUBLIC CONSULTATION Site at Santa Margerita, Mosta PLANNING AUTHORITY The Government has requested the Planning Authority to carry out a review of the Central Malta Local Plan (2006) as to the rezoning of the roads linking Triq il-Midbaħ, Triq id- Dura and Triq l-Għadajjar in Mosta. This review will be guided by the proposed objective and will require amendments to certain policies and maps in the local plan for the area. The proposed objective is: Ÿ to promote the progressive introduction of 'more greenery' in strategic urban locations which, in turn, should translate to the embellishment of potential open spaces and squares resulting in the enhancement of the character of Maltese towns and villages. The site plan which shows the effected area, may be viewed on the Planning Authority's website www.pa.org.mt/public-consultation. Individuals and organisations are being invited to send their initial submissions pertaining to this proposed objective. Representations are to be made in writing and sent through email address: santamargerita@pa.org.mt Submissions are to reach the Authority by 21st November 2017. www.pa.org.mt Partial Review of the Central Malta Local Plan (2006) Where has the Maltese gay club gone? "20-30 years ago, gay people had no choice but to go to secret clubs and bars but nowadays, there's really no need. We can go out wherever we like, depending on the mood" "If you're a Manchester supporter, would you feel comfortable celebrating a win in a Juventus club?"