Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/899902
maltatoday SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2017 News 9 DJ duo BeatBears, Chunky. "I doubt it. It's the exact same thing. We're free to marry our partners and do what we like, to a certain extent, but per- sonally, I'd rather not go out at all than go solely to clubs geared towards straight people". Chunky believes the lack of LGBTIQ spaces is all down to the sheer lethargy of the gay community. "I've been to gay parties and events abroad and there's an incredible atmos- phere. Here in Malta, there just isn't the same buzz." With this in mind, Chunky and others have taken the situation in hand and are working to fill the void in the Maltese gay club scene. "Having safe spaces where LGBTIQ people can come together remains neces- sary. It's mainly a matter of capacity and resources", said gay rights activist Gabi Calleja. Chunky has every intention of rectifying the situation. "If we can't have gay clubs, we'll have gay events instead". Working in tandem to re-create a once vibrant sense of community, the promot- ers of S2S events - BeatBears and Lolli- pop – have taken to hosting a variety of events throughout the year, often renting out clubs, bars and even boats, taking the island by colourful storm. "From a legal point of view, our country has the greatest LGBTIQ laws in Europe, but on the streets, it's still not enough", Lollipop promoter and DJ Keith St John said. In the meantime, the fact remains that the LGBTIQ community needs a place to feel completely comfortable, no matter how different they may be or look. How this reality fits in with the "progressive" perception of the island remains to be seen. amicallefdecesare@mediatoday.com.mt "Though I'm happy that people are much more accepting, I simply don't feel comfortable walking into 'straight' clubs holding my boyfriend's hand." Three of the current popular gay hangouts: The Birdcage Lounge in Rabat, monaliza in Valletta and Michelangelo in Paceville