'A symbol of visibility': Hundreds attend Gozo's first Pride march

Hundreds of people attended Gozo's first ever Pride march on Sunday, in what organisers called a "symbol of visibility, equality and representation". 

The parade set off from Qawsalla Hub, the LGBTI+ Gozo community service centre, in Victoria with attendees in bright clothes blowing whistles, flying fags and chanting.

Gozo is regarded as more conservative in its views on LGBTI rights than its larger neighbour, with a recent survey finding that the majority of LGBTI people living in Gozo still feel it is more challenging to be open about their sexuality.

Malta first held a Pride march back in 2004, but it has taken 18 years for Gozo to get its equivalent.

Eman Borg from LGBTI+ Gozo said LGBTI rights could not be seen as a box-ticking exercise. 

"Until the day that even one person is being persecuted for being who they are the need to March will still exist," he said.

"The first Gozo Pride March is yet another milestone, a symbol for more visibility, equality and representation and a recognision of the work that LGBTI+ Gozo started seven years ago."

Several politicians attended the event, including Gozo minister Clinton Camilleri and MEP Cyrus Engerer, as well as MPs Claudette...