LGBTI+Gozo

LGBTI+Gozo is a voluntary organisation based on the island of Gozo, Malta, dedicated to advancing sexual and gender equality and providing a safe space for queer Gozitans. Established in May 2015, it is described as the first Gozitan organisation fighting for sexual and gender equality and the only queer organisation on the island. The organisation operates under the motto "Diversity: Embrace it - Share it - Celebrate it" and is built on values of determination, diversity, empathy and openness. The organisation offers a range of free services to its members, their families, and professionals working with LGBTQIA+ individuals. These include a counselling service sponsored by APS Bank, the Qawsalla Hub (Rainbow Hub) office and queer library in Victoria, Gozo, trainings and workshops on inclusion and diversity, and a sexual health clinic in collaboration with the Gozo General Hospital. LGBTI+Gozo also engages in awareness campaigns, educational programs, and social events, and participates in policy forums to give a voice to queer Gozitans in national and local government. LGBTI+Gozo is a recognised voluntary organisation and a member of ILGA-Europe, IGLYO, TGEU, and the National Youth Council of Malta. It is also part of the consultative council within the Ministry for Justice, Equality and Consumer Rights. The organisation has a strong membership base of over 100 queer Gozitans and allies and is run by a group of voluntary executive members supported by squad members. It collaborates with national and international entities working to end the stigma of sexuality. In partnership with the Human Rights Directorate and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms, LGBTI+Gozo developed an LGBTIQ+ Regional Strategy for Gozo to identify strengths and weaknesses in Gozitan society regarding LGBTQIA+ identities, determine levels of acceptance, and streamline its services over a three-year period. The strategy involved quantitative research (a survey with 130 respondents) and qualitative data (focus groups and interviews with 15 professionals across health, legal, and education sectors).

LGBTI+Gozo was founded in May 2015 as the first Gozitan organisation fighting for sexual and gender equality and providing a voice for the queer community. It was established to represent diversity, inclusion, and transparency in all forms and backgrounds, with the motto "Diversity: Embrace it - Share it - Celebrate it." The organisation was built on the foundation of determination, diversity, empathy, and openness, aiming to uplift queer people in the community and bridge the gap caused by stigma and discrimination. From its early years, LGBTI+Gozo launched national and international opportunities aimed at strengthening the queer community in Gozo while expanding outreach to the public and allies. These included free counselling and gender affirmation products, trainings and workshops, awareness campaigns, and creative endeavors. The organisation also began participating in and partnering with Gozitan, Maltese, and international organisations for events such as Pride week. Over time, LGBTI+Gozo became active in policy forums, providing a voice for queer Gozitans in national and local government. It developed a strong membership base of over 100 queer Gozitans and allies and is run by voluntary executive members supported by squad members. The organisation is a recognised voluntary organisation and a member of ILGA-Europe, IGLYO, TGEU, and the National Youth Council of Malta. It is also part of the consultative council within the Ministry for Justice, Equality and Consumer Rights. In recent years, LGBTI+Gozo, with the support of the Human Rights Directorate and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms, developed an LGBTIQ+ Regional Strategy for Gozo. This strategy aimed to identify strengths and weaknesses within Gozitan society regarding LGBTQIA+ identities, determine levels of acceptance, identify needs and gaps, and streamline the organisation's services over the next three years. The research involved a quantitative survey with 130 respondents and qualitative focus groups and interviews with 15 professionals across health, legal, and education sectors. The strategy also serves wider stakeholders in Gozo to better understand factors that help or hinder inclusivity.

• 2015

  LGBTI+Gozo founded in May 2015 as the first Gozitan organisation for sexual and gender equality.

• Developed the LGBTIQ+ Regional Strategy for Gozo with support from the Human Rights Directorate and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms.

The only queer organisation on the island of Gozo, providing a safe space and a voice for the LGBTI+ community while promoting equality and inclusion.

• LGBTI+ Gozo Counselling Service

  Free counselling service sponsored by APS Bank, including intake sessions, needs assessment, social work interventions, and referrals.

• Qawsalla Hub

  Rainbow Hub office and queer library located on Triq Enrico Mizzi in Victoria, Gozo, open at least three days a week.

• Trainings & Workshops

  Training on inclusion, diversity, LGBTI issues, human rights practices, and legal framework in Malta, offered by donation.

• Sexual Health Clinic

  Free service offered by the GU Clinic team at Gozo General Hospital, with booking by phone or email.

1. 1LGBTI+ Gozo Official Websitelgbtigozo.com
2. 2About | LGBTI+ Gozo Officiallgbtigozo.com
3. 3LGBTIQ+ Regional Strategy | LGBTI+ Gozo Officiallgbtigozo.com
4. 4Services | LGBTI+ Gozo Officiallgbtigozo.com
5. 5LGBTI+Gozo - Wikidatawikidata.org