Malta was the hub of all things LGBTQIA+ in Europe this month as it hosted EuroPride, the continent’s largest queer celebration, in its capital city of Valletta. Recognised as one of the most welcoming countries in Europe, Malta has topped ILGA-Europe’s annual ‘Rainbow Map and Index’ for eight years running. The list is a ranking of 49 European countries based on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTQIA+ people, with Malta routinely hailed for its unwavering support of the LGBTQIA+ community. The theme of this year’s EuroPride, ‘Equality from the Heart’, aimed to bring the Maltese and wider European LGBTQIA+ community together to celebrate diversity and advocate for equal rights, as well as a more inclusive world. Against a backdrop of gorgeous 16th-century buildings and clear blue skies, more than 38,000 people marched in favour of love, equality and progressive policies at the parade on 16 September. Themes of pinkwashing vs. authentic allyship, sex work, faith and LGBTQIA+ inclusion were at the forefront of discussions around human rights at EuroPride, all of which were rounded out with the performance of a lifetime from Christina Aguilera at the EuroPride Valletta 2023 Concert. Keep scrolling to see some of the best pictures GAY TIMES captured at EuroPride Valletta 2023.
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