Part 1/6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFnAGFv8gs0
Part 2/6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GefvxuEV1Lo
Part 3/6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GefvxuEV1Lo
Part 4/6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPbw6Tk0Wdc
Part 5/6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bDLhQbOcFY
Part 6/6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGPa_9DFA_A
This blog is a reply to Kenneth Zammit Tabona's article:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080226/opinion/we-are-but-electoral-puppet-monarchs
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080229/letters/gay-vote
Gay Vote
I was perplexed when I read the article "We are but electoral puppet monarchs" by Kenneth Zammit Tabona. I have been a gay rights activist for 5 years, in Germany and in Malta and decided to join Alternattiva Demokratika after Harry Vassallo made a moving speech at last year's gay pride March. It seems Mr. Zammit Tabona wasn't there.
AN made a huge statement on gay issues one week after my political outing on Illum (
http://patrickattard.blogspot.com/2008/02/interview-with-illum.html
). It seems Mr. Zammit Tabona hasn't read this article either.
It seems Mr. Zammit Tabona hasn't realised who showed Joe Saliba the PN's dismal track record on gay rights. It was me, an AD candidate. Maybe Mr. Zammit Tabona hasn't realised that all the nine Alternattiva Demokratika candidates have signed the Malta Gay Rights Petition.
If AD is not elected in parliament this time, maybe all the Kenneth Zammit Tabonas will realise they lost a chance.
Vote
Dr.
Gonzi's muddle on cohabitation promise
Sunday, 20 February 2008
By Julia Farrugia
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday appeared somewhat muddled over the cohabitation issue, claiming during a televised debate that the Nationalist Party's electoral programme for 2008 includes the promise, originally made in 1998, of legislation to regularise cohabiting couples.
However, none of the 353 proposals included in the PN manifesto makes any reference to cohabitation.
Shortly before the 1998 election, then Nationalist Party leader Eddie Fenech Adami had promised that if elected, he would amend the law in order to grant legal rights to persons who are cohabiting. But 10 years later, the promised cohabitation law has still not materialised.
During last night's debate on TVM, organised by the Broadcasting Authority, this newspaper asked Dr Gonzi whether it was embarrassing for him to once again ask for the vote of thousands of separated people who are still waiting for this reform.
The Prime Minister insisted: "You're wrong. That promise did not vanish from our electoral programme. On the contrary, we re-confirmed that we want to look into this situation."
Gonzi avoided the question when asked specifically whether the PN electoral promise 10 years ago was just a political convenience stunt. But he admitted that the existing law does not protect people who are living together outside wedlock, and made an impromptu promise which is not included in the PN's electoral programme.
"Our law already gives limited protection (to cohabiting couples), but in my opinion this is not enough. And yes, I do believe that we need to change the law. I am determined that in the coming legislature we have the duty to change the law affecting couples who are cohabiting in this particular sector."
Asked by this newspaper why the Nationalist government did not make this change over the past 10 years, including during his four-year premiership, Gonzi said: "Yes, yes, I know. I did a lot of stuff during my four years. I did not manage to do everything."
Shortly after Gonzi kept on insisting: "it is not true that the electoral promise vanished from our electoral programme. It could be that not everyone reads all the proposals. But it is there."
During the same debate, Lawrence Gonzi simply ignored questions put by MaltaToday focusing on gay people.
With reference to his promise to single-handedly reform the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, Lawrence Gonzi stated that this will be the biggest challenge he has faced ever in his entire life.
But he stopped short of saying specifically how he will conduct this reform: for instance, how he would eradicate conflict of interest among architects appointed to MEPA boards.
MaltaToday referred Prime Minister Gonzi to a case dating back to 18 July 2006, when MEPA deputy chairman Catherine Galea did not declare her personal interest and was present during an ODZ decision session on land belonging to her clients.
Earlier this month, MaltaToday asked Minister George Pullicino whether Galea should have been asked to step down after this particular case. On that occasion, the Environment Minister said that he did not "feel the need to answer hypothetic questions."
Asked whether he himself would have removed this architect under the same circumstances, the Nationalist Leader stated: "Don't you think that it is obvious that one would remove people with conflict of interest? Isn't it obvious? Do I need to say it?"
But when reminded of Minister Pullicino's response, Gonzi defended his minister, claiming "George Pullicino carried his work in a very good way."
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=65749
Why all the fuss about gay partnerships or divorce?
Some people say that Life is what happens when you're trying to do something else.
Imagine that your marriage falls apart, and then after a number of years you fall in love with someone else. Imagine when you're becoming an adult you realise you are different. Then you fall in love with someone of your same sex.
Imagine if the person you love most in your life is seriously ill and you are not involved in the decisions of treatment taken.
Imagine if the person you love most in your life died, and in the most difficult time of your life, you are not entitled to bereavement leave, or organise the funeral.
Imagine if the person you love most in your life, isn't an EU citizen and cannot live or work in Malta.
If the big political parties cannot talk about these issues during the electoral campaign, do you think they will raise them up in parliament? - I don't think so.
All the AD Candidates contesting the election signed the Malta Gay Rights Petition.
Imagine having 9 Green MPs who understand you.
Vote for the people who will take you seriously. Vote for Change.
Vote 1 Alternattiva Demokratika.
Patrick Attard
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=17986315471&ref=mf
We would like to invite you to the first CORE GREEN collective art exhibition.| Name: | CORE GREEN |
| Tagline: | Collective Art Exhibition |
| Host: | Alternattiva Demokratika |
| Type: |
| Start Time: | Friday, February 29, 2008 at 8:30pm |
| End Time: | Friday, March 14, 2008 at 8:30pm |
| Location: | Melita Gardens, Palazzo Exhibition Rooms |
| City/Town: | Balzan |
| Phone: | 79603455 |
| Email: |
http://www.timesofmalta.com
Friday, 22nd February 2008
Patrick Attard, Naxxar.
Studies show that gay couples fall under the Double-Income-No-Kids category and their spending pattern is different to other couples, and they spend more money on travelling.
Since Malta's economy thrives on tourism, it is very important not to underestimate this category, especially if we want to increase tourism in the off-peak seasons.
Other countries whose economies are based on tourism, like Austria, realised this, and one can find gay related brochures at the tourist centres of the cities.
In Malta, when I was a committee member of the Malta Gay Rights Movement and we were organising an LGBT festival, I went to the Valletta Tourist Office to leave some leaflets there. The people there were completely surprised if not shocked and after several phone-calls from the staff to the supervisor or director, I just walked out.
Gays are not a burden on the country.
They have a lot to offer. We should not be afraid from them, throw them out of the country or force them to live a lie.
Now the time for change has come. If this chance is lost, the next one will be in five years. Vote for the people who will take you seriously. Vote Alternattiva Demokratika.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-6917.html
21st February 2008 12:50
Malta's gay group ask for equal rights
The gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans communities in the tiny EU nation of Malta have presented a petition asking for a range of measures to be introduced to protect them through the law, and have received the backing of a fringe political party.
Alternattiva Demokratika leader Harry Vassallo said yesterday that the recognition of gay rights would be a step forward, according to the Times of Malta.
He said he was supporting the petition organised by the Malta Gay Rights Movement and signed by more than 1,000 people, asking for legal recognition of same-sex couples, a homophobic bullying strategy for the island nation's schools and new laws targeting homophobic and transphobic crimes.
The MGRM also wants gender reassignment surgery to be made available through Malta's public health services and goods and services protection for LGBT people.
In 2004, Malta banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation after the Malta Gay Rights Movement lobbied for the measure to be included in an Employment Relations Act.
Alternattiva Demokratika currently have no seats in Malta's parliament and the MGRM proposals are unlikely to receive the backing of any of the main political parties in the country, one of the most socially conservative countries in the EU.
98% of the population are Roman Catholics, and although homosexuality is legal, there remains significant prejudice.
Malta, a British colony until 1964, has around 400,000 inhabitants and is the smallest EU state in terms of both size and population.
In 2000 the government was criticised by gay rights groups for openly homophobic statements condemning EU proposals to treat gay people equally.
According to a December 2006 Eurobarometer survey, only 18% of the Maltese population support gay marriage, and there is significant prejudice against the LGBT community.
In July Malta's Union of Teachers threatened to publish the details of four attempts to oust gay and lesbian teachers from Roman Catholic school posts. According to the union, Church schools were under pressure from parents to fire the teachers, leading to four interventions in the past five years.
http://www.eugaynews.com/malta/maltagaynewsreport00342570.html
... an interview with Malta's gay psychologist.
A large proportion of lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils who are bullied by their classmates try to commit suicide, according to research. A study by Dr Ian Rivers, of the College of Ripon and York St John, suggests that half of them contemplate killing or harming themselves, and four in 10 actually harm themselves at least once. Bullying is not the only contributing factor and almost a third harm themselves on more than one occasion. The research also indicates that 17% of bullied individuals- nearly one in five - display symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder later in life.
As adults, some suffer flashbacks and nightmares linked with being bullied at school. John Bowis (UK/EPP-ED), co-author of the written is quoted as saying, "We need to highlight to MEPs that homophobic bullying affects youth indiscriminately. Some victims are LGBT, many are not. Homophobic bullying is particularly destructive, and educators can be ill-prepared to deal with it in a manner that supports the child. This lack of preparation can lead to some dramatic consequences... we're well aware of the elevated rates of suicide amongst LGBT young people. We have to let victims know that they are not alone, and this written declaration will go a long way towards doing just that."
Malta Gay News caught up with psychologist Antoine Spiteri, in London, to discuss this important issue. It is valuable that the gay community is informed about the state of gay suicide in Malta, primarily because it is such a taboo topic to talk about and because there are those who hold positions of power and will do their best to halt publication of material regarding this important matter. Their justification is that “by talking about all these people killing themselves you are encouraging more suicidal behaviour.” The identity of the individual that revealed this to Malta Gay News will be kept a secret. Nonetheless, the statement comes from someone high on the political scale and Malta Gay News feels that by 'sticking our head in the sand', like an ostrich, we are simply ignoring the issue and running away from the problem. This reflects a failure and unwillingness on the part of the authorities to address the needs of people that are considering suicide and a failure to address the contributing factors that may exacerbate suicidal tendencies in the general peopulation.
The Interview:
What are the challenges faced by gays in Malta as compared to gays in other Western EU countries when it comes to coping with depression?
SPITERI: Challenges that impact depression and suicidal tendencies of GLBT in Malta are very much the same as challenges that are faced by GLBT in other EU countries. The difference lies primarily in the availability of intervention programs, treatment, localized knowledge through research, education, social and political views on homosexuality and perhaps a perceived high level of discrimination (in Malta) towards GLBT, resulting from a historically more insular culture.
There is a vacuum in the availability of support services for the community. This is not only true for GLBT people but also for individuals that require mental health services but whose condition is not grave enough to necessitate long term ward residence in Mount Carmel. There are many people who need assistance but do not need to be in "Section 8" [long term ward], as this would exacerbate their condition and make things even worse. Governmental funding is necessary to help set up programs that can serve the needs of these individuals that continue to fall through the crack in our healthcare system.
It is worth noting, however, that Malta is not in as bad a state as compared to even less GLBT friendly nations like Poland etc.
Are GLBT people at higher risk of harming themselves than their heterosexual counterparts?
SPITERI: Findings from a growing body of evidence suggest that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth are at greater risk for suicidal ideation and attempts than non-GLBT youth. It is important to note, however, that sexual orientation alone accounts for only a small portion of the variability in suicidal ideation and attempts. There are various social factors that directly influence suicide risk above and beyond a GLBT orientation. Safren and Heimberg (1999) found that sexual orientation alone contributed relatively little to explain suicide behaviours after accounting for additional personal and environmental risk and protective factors, such as satisfaction with social support and depression.
Research identifying and targeting the needs of Maltese GLBT youth is non-existent but in other EU countries homosexuals may be two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people and might comprise up to 30% of completed youth suicides annually. GLBT youth are 50% more likely to have seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months, are twice as likely to attempt suicide at least once. GLBT are eight times more likely to report four or more attempts than their heterosexual peers. One study reported that almost half (48%) of GLBT youth who had thought about suicide reported that these thoughts were at least somewhat related to their sexual orientation.
This association can be explained in part by the greater prevalence of known risk factors in GLBT adolescents, including depression, substance use and violence victimization. Primary social stressors theorized to account for this relationship include family conflict, ostracism at school, and broader stigmatizing socio-cultural factors such as homophobia. For example, among GLBT suicide attempters, almost half reported that their fathers were intolerant or rejecting of their sexual orientation, compared with approximately one-quarter among non-attempters. Fear of harassment and mistreatment is widespread among GLB youth and may be linked to suicidal ideation, and discrimination and stigmatization have been labelled the “primary culprit” in the epidemic of GLB youth suicide. Furthermore, research suggests that certain risk factors, such as victimization at school, may be more potent for GLBT youth than their heterosexual peers.
How can we reduce the risk of self harming behaviour among GLBT people in Malta?
SPITERI: Certain personal, family and community factors have been shown to affect the likelihood of negative outcomes among GLBT youth and other vulnerable populations. Identifying and targeting modifiable social factors is critical to clinical assessment, intervention development and an ultimate reduction in suicide risk among GLBT people.
Despite powerful negative forces, GLBT youth are not a homogenous “at risk” group. Many have multiple “resiliency factors”—personal traits or characteristics of their social environment that protect young people from harm. Indeed the majority of GLB adolescents living in more accepting western societies grow up to lead happy, healthy, productive lives. Nonetheless, GLBT youth suffer a variety of challenges related to their sexual orientation, including family conflict and rejection, and violence victimization. Individuals that grow up in environments that provide them with high levels of family connectedness, teacher caring, other adult caring and school safety show considerable decreased association with suicidal ideation and attempts, and they are less likely to report a history of these suicide behaviours’.
What support options are available to GLBT people in Malta?
SPITERI: Programs, policies and resources are needed across Malta to support GLBT adolescents, as these youth remain at considerably increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. Family connectedness, support from other adults, and school safety are all characteristics that are amenable to change, and would be appropriate targets for interventions aimed at protecting young people from self-harm. Improving the ability of parents and other influential adults to connect with and support adolescents grappling with issues of sexual identity may be a critical component of mental health promotion and protection for these young people.
In addition to research and intervention programs, it is also just as crucial to reduce the existing social stigma that is associated with mental health. Stigma is a barrier and discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need due to the fear of being discriminated against.
What should people do if they are considering harming themselves?
SPITERI: If you or someone you know is considering harming themselves then you must contact your emergency services on 112. Although often untrained to deal with GLBT people in general, the emergency services in Malta are of considerable higher quality than they are in most other countries.
http://gozonews.com/item/political-class-needs-to-catch-up-with-society-on-gay-rights-ad/
February 19th, 2008
At press conference in the AD offices Dr Harry Vassallo said that his party had always insisted that the recognition of gay rights was a sign of tolerance and civilization which Maltese society has achieved ahead of its political class.
Dr Vassallo was talking during a meeting with the representatives of the Malta Gay Rights Movement who presented a petition signed by 1063 people asking for the enactment of specific proposals in favour of the minorities they represent.
Miss Gabi Calleja explained that the petitioners were in favour of the formal recognition of the rights of same sex couples; for the inclusion of a Criminal Code provision against violence motivated by homophobia and transphobia and for a strategy addressing similarly motivated bullying in schools.
The MGRM is asking for legal protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in the provision of goods and services as well as for the extension of the remit of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression issues. The MGRM petition also calls for transgender surgery and therapy to be included in public health services.
Dr Vassallo said Alternattiva Demokratika supports the MGRM request.
Dr. Ing. Patrick Attard, a gay candidate contesting the election with AD emphasized the importance of the pink euro especially for a country so highly dependant on tourism. “Gay couples fall under the category of Double Income No Kids and have a different spending pattern investing more heavily in travel,” Dr Attard said. He added that this existing niche should not be neglected especially with regard to off peak tourism.
Dr. Attard stressed the importance of social tolerance for the economic success of any society. “Studies clearly show that Talent, Technology and Tolerance are very important for economic success. A gay tolerant society is also tolerant of other minorities and becomes attractive to persons of different beliefs and ways of life bringing with them a wealth of talents and skills and creating business opportunities which did not exist before.”
Dr Vassallo said that Alternattiva Demokratika is in favour of the civil partnership that was to be introduced into Maltese law on the strength of the PN promise for the introduction of a law on cohabitation in 1998. “If such a law had been passed hundreds if not thousands of separated persons, and gay couples would have been spared the personal difficulties they have faced so far,” Dr Vassallo said.
http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2008/02/17/n2.html
Muscat’s Addams Family: OK if gay, but not broken
My Comment:
It is important to remember Dr. Muscat's homophobia on Xarabank in 2007. Philip Beattie, the second founder of AN, doesn't come across as very gay friendly either.
The AN always seemed to ridicule gay rights by the articles they publish on their website:
Flesh-Eating" Bacteria Striking Gay Men
http://www.azzjoninazzjonali
Fury over new gay hate laws which 'threaten free speech'
http://www.azzjoninazzjonali
The foster couple who quit rather than be forced to promote gay rights
http://www.azzjoninazzjonali
Charity: Pupils risk prosecution for 'gay' slur
http://www.azzjoninazzjonali
Firemen demoted and fined for shining torch on gay foursome in the bushes
http://www.azzjoninazzjonali
Foreign News: Gay 'Christian' wins job tribunal against Church of England
http://www.azzjoninazzjonali
http://elezzjoni2008.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=264&Itemid=2
Alternattiva Demokratika – The recognition of gay rights
Alternattiva Demokratika – The recognition of gay rights would be a step forward helping the political class to catch up with Maltese society
Alternattiva Demokratika tghid li r-rikonixximent tad-drittijiet tal-gays ikun pass ‘l quddiem biex il-klassi politika tlahhaq mas-socjeta Maltija
Waqt konferenza stampa fl-ufficji ta’ Alternattiva Demokratika Dr Harry Vassallo qal li Alternattiva Demokratika dejjem sehqet illi r-rikonoxximent tad-drittijiet tal-gays huma sinjal ta’ civilta li s-socjeta Maltija lahqet qabel l-istituzzjonijiet u l-klassi politika Maltija.
Dr Vassallo kien qieghed jitkellem waqt laqgha mat-tmexxija tal.Malta Gay Rights Movement li pprezentawlu l-petizzjoni iffirmata minn 1063 persuna biex jidhlu fis-sehh proposti konkreti favur il-minoritajiet li jirrapprezentaw.
Is-sinjorina Gabi Calleja fisstret il-petizzjoni li ghalija ingabru l-firem biex ikun hemm rikonoxximent formali tad-drittijiet ta’ koppji ta’ l-istess sess; ghall-inkluzjoni ta’ provvediment fil-kodoco kriminali kontra l-vjolenza homofobika u transfobika u strategija cara kontra l-bullying fl-iskejjel ghal dawn ir-ragunijiet. L-MGRM qeghda titlob ghal protezzjoni legali kontra diskriminazzjoni fil-provvista ta prodotti u servizzi minhabba l-orjentazzjoni sesswali jew l-identita jew espressjoni sesswali. Qeghda titlob ukoll li x-xoghol tal-Kummissjoni Nazzjonali ghall-Promozzjoni ta’ l-Ugwaljanza jitwessgha biex jinkludi l-orjentazzjoni sesswali u l-identia u l-espressjoni sesswali. L-MGRM qeghda titlob ukoll li l-kirurgija u t-terapija mehtiega ghall-persuni transgender issir parti mis-servizz ta’ sahha pubblika.
Dr Vassallo qal li Alternattiva Demokratika tappoggja dawn it-talbiet ta’ l-MGRM
Dr. Ing. Patrick Attard, Kandidat gay ma’ l-AD, enfasizza l-importanza ta’ l_ewro Roza (Pink Euro) specjalment ghall-pajjiz fejn id-dhul tieghu jigi mit-turizmu. Koppji gay jaqaw that il-kategorija Double-Income–No-Kids u ghandhom spending pattern differenti u jinvestu aktar fl-ivjaggar. Dan hi nicca li m’ghandiex tigi injorata specjalment ghat-turimu fl-off-peak months. Malta m’ghandiex titlef opportunita bhal din, fejn pajjizi bhall-Awstria (li jghix fuq it-turizmu) diga raw l-importanza ta’ din il-kategorija.
Dr. Ing. Patrick Attard enfasizza l-importanza tat-tolleranza biex il-pajjizi jirnexxu ekonomikament. Studji juru li l-kombinazzjoni tat-Talent, Teknologija, u Tolleranza huma importanti hafna biex pajjizi jew states differenti, ghax jista ikollek kollegi bravi, xjnzati, tobba, li huma divorzjati, gay, lizbjani jew jemmnu f’xi religjon ohra. Dawk il-pajjizi jirnexxu mhux ghax il-gays l-aktar intelligenti fid-dinja imma ghax socjetajiet li huma tolleranti ghalihom, aktar jaraw u jkunu miftuhin ghal-opportuniajiet ta’ business.
Dr Vassallo qal li Alternattiva Demokratrika hi favur il-partnership civili kellu jidhol fil-ligi Maltija bhala weghda tal-Partit Nazzjonalista ghall-elezzjoni ta’ l-1998. “Kieku twettqet din il-weghda snin ilu hafna koppji separati u koppji gay kienu jiffrankaw snin ta’ diffikoltajiet personali u li ma jifhimhomx haddiehor temm ighid Dr Vassallo.
Ralph Cassar
ralph.cassar@alternattiva.org.mt
A/PRO
http://www.it-torca.com/news.asp?newsitemid=6648
Nitkellmu ma’ l-omosesswali minn Malta....
Il-Mascot ta’ l-eziljati
minn Victor Vella
Boghod minn art twelidhom imma b’talbiet kontinwi biex jghinu huthom Maltin li ma jistghux jghixu hajjithom bid-drittijiet bhal nies u familji tradizzjonali f’Malta, omosesswali li spiccaw refugjati f’pajjizi Ewropej b’mod partikolari fir-Renju Unit, iddecidew li jwaqqfu dik li qieghda tissejjah bhala l-”Malta Gay Exiles’.
L-ghajnuna tvarja kemm f’dawk li huma proceduri ta’ xoghol, biex isibu università u anke appogg morali u psikologiku biex johorgu mit-trawma li jkunu ghaddew f’Malta. Il-Malta Gay Exiles, ghandhom ukoll il-maskot taghhom, Antoine Spiteri, omosesswali li ezilja ruhu minn Malta ta’ 15-il sena. Illum mizzewweg b’mod legali fir-Renju Unit, kuntent u ‘l quddiem hu l-hsieb taghhom li jadottaw it-tfal.
Il-hajja ta’ Spiteri fir-Renju Unit, kif gara bhal fil-kaz ta’ Chris Borg, li trattajna l-istorja tieghu l-gimgha li ghaddiet, inbidlet mill-lejl ghan-nhar. Spiteri mhux biss zviluppa lilu nnifsu u hareg mit-trawma li kellu bil-hajja f’pajjizna, izda llum il-hidma ta’ Spiteri fejn jidhlu c-Chimpanzee’s u r-ricerka li ghamel fuqhom hi maghrufa ma’ l-erbat irjieh tad-dinja.
Antoine Spiteri dwar il-hajja f’Malta
Hu jiddeskrivi s-socjetà Maltija bhala li ghandha strutturi inaccettabbli. Spjega li “meta nghid hekk inkun qed nirreferi ghal-limitazzjoni li membri ta’ gruppi ta’ minoritajiet jiffaccjaw b’mod personali, socjalment u anke politikament. Meta tqabbel lil Malta ma’ xi pajjizi ohrajn Ewropej, il-limitazzjonijiet li jiffaccjaw l-omosesswali f’Malta huma sproporzjonati. Fost dawn hemm nuqqas ta’ servizz ghall-komunità ta’ omosesswali, lesbjani, bisesswali u transesswali f’Malta. Hemm barrieri kulturali biex tghix il-hajja ta’ omosesswali u limitazzjonijiet fuq opportunitajiet edukattivi ghall-membri ta’ gruppi ta’ minoranzi. Hemm ukoll il-limitazzjonijiet politici bejn l-eterosesswali u l-omosesswali, fosthom l-gharfien ta’ relazzjoni bejn koppji omosesswali, il-ligijiet ta’ l-immigrazzjoni u l-gharfien ghall-familji omosesswali”.
L-ezilju lejn Los Angeles ta’ 15-il sena
Antoine Spiteri spjega li “kont qed inhoss li kont qed nikber f’ambjent politiku u religjuz li kien konservattiv ghall-ahhar. Il-Patrijiet Dumnikani kienu qeghdin jghiduli li “m’hemm xejn hazin li nkun ‘gay’, izda tipprattikax”, waqt li l-Gvern kien qed jghid li “m’hemm xejn hazin li jien omosesswali izda tistenniex li se naghrfuk bhala bniedem komplet”. “Ghal hafna snin kont inhossni kkonfrontat mill-istrutturi qawwija tas-socjetà li kienu jiggudikaw u jittimbraw certi attitudnijiet u certu stil ta’ hajja bhala inaccettabbli. Din poggietni f’pozizzjoni kerha u b’hekk kont imgieghel nahseb mill-gdid fuq il-valuri tieghi, dak li nemmen u dak kollu li kien hemm madwari. Iddecidejt li nhalli Malta
Jenfasizza li l-punt li l-aktar li ghafsu biex ihalli lil Malta kienet is-sistema edukattiva. Qalilna li “s-sistema edukattiva ma kinitx taghmilha facli ghall-individwi minn gruppi li gejjin minn minoritajiet biex ikunu success. Ma kien hemm l-ebda ligijiet dwar l-ibbuljar, ma kien hemm l-ebda appogg ghall-vittmi ta’ l-omofobija u ebda rikonoxximent li jezistu omosesswali adoloxxenti. Kien difficli ghall-individwi li ma kinux kompatibbli mat-taghlim u testijiet standard u ma kien hemm l-ebda appogg ghall-istudenti li jsofri minn marki baxxi sempliciment ghax is-sistema edukattiva hi eterosessista”.
Ir-religjon f’Malta u l-omosesswali
Antoine Spiteri jghidilna li “minhabba l-influwenza kbira li r-religjon ghandha fuq is-socjetà u l-kultura Maltija, din l-istess influwenza ghandha implikazzjonijiet kbar fuq kif is-socjetà thares lejn l-omosesswalità u fuq kollox kif l-omosesswali jharsu lejhom infushom. It-tbatija u s-sofferenza li l-omosesswali jesperjenzaw, minhabba rizultat dirett ta’ pregudizzjoni religjuz, ghandhom ikunu rikonoxxuti, u mistharrgin biex jinhargu mizuri biex jaraw li l-omosesswali ma jibqghux aktar mhedda, oppressati u ppersegwitati fizikament u psikologikament. Ghal dawk li weggghu minn dawn il-pregudizzji u azzjonijiet, inhoss li ghandu jkun hemm riparazzjoni u anke appogg biex il-vittmi jkunu mghejjunin. Ghalliema omosesswali ghandhom ikunu protetti bil-ligi u l-ghalliema kollha kemm eterosesswali kif ukoll l-omosesswali, ghandu jkollhom l-istess limitazzjonijiet u libertajiet meta jigu biex jinfluwenzaw lill-istudenti fuq dak li jemmnu u jghixu huma personalment”.
Il-kuntatt ma’ Malta u l-familja nzamm
Antoine Spiteri qalilna li “meta nuza l-kelma ezilju, jien inkun qieghed nirreferi ghat-tluq tieghi b’mod volontarju minn pajjizi u ghad-distakk b’mod psikologiku minn kultura li jien naraha bhala li hi ta’ detriment ghall-omosesswali. Minn Malta tlaqt lejn Los Angeles, belt liberali. Mort hemmhekk biex nghix f’belt, li kienet tqis li l-omosesswali ghandhom jithallew jghixu fil-libertà u meqjusa bhala mem-bri validi ghas-socjetà t’hemm-hekk. Ghalkemm nghix barra, ghad ghandi rabtiet qawwijin ma’ Malta. Ta’ kuljum incempel lil ommi u membri ohrajn tal-familja. L-assi tieghi jinsabu kollha f’Malta. B’mod generali nhossni Malti u nigi Malta regolarment. Nghix fir-Renju Unit mas-sieheb tieghi. Hawnhekk sar progress socjali fejn jidhlu d-drittijiet ta’ l-omosesswali u l-ugwaljanza bejn l-eterosesswali u l-omosesswali. Jista’ jkun li xi darba, l-omosesswali li hallew Malta jhossu li huma ukoll ghadhom post fis-socjetà Maltija u b’hekk ikunu jistghu jergghu jigu lura. Sakemm isehh dan, hafna zghazagh se jkunu qeghdin iharsu lejn sistema socjali aktar tolleranti”.
Daqt jaghlaq sena u nofs mizzewweg
Antoine Spiteri spjegalna li “fit-8 ta’ Settembru se nkun ghalaqt sena mindu jien u s-sieheb tieghi David izzewwigna bic-civil taht il-ligi Ingliza. F’dan il-mument ninsabu ferhanin u kuntenti hafna u qeghdin nippjanaw li jkollna t-tfal fil-futur qrib”. L-omosesswali jistghu jrabbu t-tfal billi jadottaw.
Antoine qalilna li “kienet preferenza tieghi li jkolli t-tfal f’Malta u li jikbru hemm, boghod mill-perikli li jezistu fi bliet kbar. F’dan il-mument izda ma nhossx li l-ambjent f’Malta hu ideali ghall-familji omosesswali. Nara izda li xi darba, l-familji omosesswali se jkunu jistghu jirritornaw lejn Malta minghajr ma jhossuhom li qeghdin f’sistema legali zbilancjata kontrihom.”
Il-hidma fil-Malta Gay Exiles
Ricentament twaqqfet il-Malta Gay Exiles u ghalkemm Antoine mhux wiehed minn dawk li jmexxuha, hu gie maghzul bhala l-mascot ta’ din l-ghaqda.
Antoine Spiteri qalilna li “l-Malta Gay Exiles hi ghaqda ta’ persuni, li konna sirna nafu l-xulxin permezz tal-Facebook. M’inix involut fl-organizazzjoni ta’ din l-ghaqda, izda infurmat li l-ghan taghha hu li ggib nies qrib xulxin u li ghandhom problemi jew thassib fuq is-sitwazzjoni fejn jidhlu drittijiet u ugwaljanza ta’ l-omosesswali f’Malta. Din l-ghaqda fiha nies li bhali kellhom jeziljaw ruhhom minn art twelidhom. Wiehed mill-ghanijiet hu li noholqu kuxjenza f’Malta fuq l-omosesswali. Ahna hrigna mit-trawma, izda ghad hemm hafna li minhabba nuqqas ta’ opportunitajiet jew restrizzjonijiet ohra ghadhom qeghdin ibatu fis-silenzju. Primarjament l-ghan tal-Malta Gay Exiles hu dak li jkun vuci favur l-ugwaljanza.”
‘Lest li nghin b’kull mod’
Antoine Spiteri maghruf ghall-karattru dhuli tieghu, qalilna “jien lest li nipprovdi l-ghajnuna kollha li nista’ lil din l-ghaqda u l-dawk li jitolbuha. L-ghajnuna tieghi hi f’appogg morali, dikjarazzonijiet pubblici, pariri lill-ohrajn. Aktar tard lest li noffri parti mill-hin tieghi biex nipprovdi pariri personali bla hlas permezz tal-Malta Gay Exiles, lil dawk iz-zghazagh Maltin li qeghdin isibuha difficli kemm biex jghixu f’Malta jew biex jiddikjaraw fil-berah li huma omosesswali. Bi hsiebni niehu sehem f’tahdidiet pubblici li jqajmu kuxjenza fuq is-sitwazzjoni f’Malta. Staqsewni biex inkun il-mascot ghall-eziljati Maltin, u jien accettajt bil-ferh u ghalissa se nkun anke qed nehdilhom hsieb il-websajt”.
Kemm hu l-ammont ta’ eziljati Maltin?
Ghal din il-mistoqsija, Antoine Spiteri qalilna li “n-numru ezatt mhux maghruf. Biss b’mod regolari niltaqa’ ma’ nies li kellhom jitilqu minn Malta biex jghixu mas-sieheb taghhom. Issibhom f’kull sezzjoni tan-negozju jew servizzi. Issib dawk zghar fl-età u ohrajn kbar, sinjuri u fqar. Issib min hu wahdu u hafna ohrajn bis-sieheb. Hawn diversi li zzewgu ukoll u qeghdin irabbu t-tfal. Naf nies Maltin bhal danw fi New York, Texas, California, l-Awstralja, l-Kanada, l-Olanda, Brussels, Franza, Spanja, l-Italja u l-Germanja fost ohrajn. Hafna minn dawn ghadhom ma jafux bil-Malta Gay Exiles, biss dawn kollha ghandhom haga wahda komuni...’kellhom jitilqu minn pajjizhom’”.
victorvella2002@yahoo.com
Related links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_pound
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/142998.stm
| by ERIKA BRINCAT |
http://www.timesofmalta.com/election2008/view/20080218/news/alternattiva-backs-gay-rights
Monday, 18th February 2008 - 20:57CET
| minn Victor Vella |
| Immaġinaw ftit. Żagħżugħ jinduna li l-ġibdiet tiegħu huma lejn is-sess maskili – omosesswali. L-atteġġjament tiegħu u forsi l-mod kif jaħseb, jibda' jwasslu biex sħabu jemarġinawh. Iċ-ċajt goff jipprovawh fuqu l-ewwel "għax hu mhux bħalhom". Ħafna drabi jispiċċa vittma ta' bbuljar, mgħajjar u insulentat. Appoġġ fl-iskola jew servizzi ta' appoġġ għalih ma jsibx. In-nies fit-triq u s-soċjetà inġenerali ukoll titkaża bih. Il-patrijiet jgħidulu "xejn ħażin li inti omosesswali, imma tippratti-kahiex". Kull fejn imur jinduna li jkun diskriminat, li m'għandux id-drittijiet daqs l-eterosesswali. Kull fejn imur mit-toroq sal-knejjes, ħafna jippontaw subgħajhom lejh. Ta' ġewwa wkoll jinħasdu meta jgħidilhom li omosesswali. Ikun hemm min jgħidlu li "se tħassrilna l-unur tal-familja" jew li hu "n-nagħġa s-sewda tal-familja". Din hi s-sitwazzjoni li jgħixu fiha ħafna omosesswali f'Malta. Il-mistoqsija hi x'tista' tagħmel jekk int omosesswali u trid verament tgħix ħajtek bi drittijiet daqs in-nies l-oħrajn. Is-soluzzjoni, għal ħafna omosesswali, hi waħda – dik li teżilja ruħek, għax sa issa f'Malta għadna wisq lura biex l-omosesswali jingħataw drittijiethom kif għandhom f'pajjiżi Ewropej. Meta tagħmel hekk tibda tgħix ħajtek, skond l-emozzjonijiet tiegħek, fil-kuntentizza u mingħajr ma tkun iġġudikat. Għadd ta' omosesswali imxew fuq dawn il-passi u ħallew jew qegħdin jitilqu minn Malta, f'dak li qed jissejjaħ il-'gay drain'. Wieħed minn dawk li ma felaħx u ma setax jgħix aktar f'Malta, kien Antoine Spiteri, li eżilja ruħu minn Malta, fl-età żgœira ta' 15-il sena. Illum Spiteri, mhux biss żviluppa l-karattru tiegħu tant li għamel riċerka interessanti fuq iċ-'chimpanzees', iżda qiegħed jgħix ħajtu kif dejjem xtaq, miżżewwġġ u l-quddiem bit-tfal ukoll. Antoine u David issa ilhom sena miżżewæin, bir-rispett u l-imħabba lejn xulxin fl-aħħar sena qatt ma naqsu. Huma tant jinsabu kuntenti jgħixu ħajjithom, li qegħdin jippjanaw li jkollhom it-tfal fil-futur qrib, billi jadottaw. Ix-xewqa ta' Antoine dejjem kienet li jkollu tfal f'Malta, iżda fiċ-ċirkostanzi preżenti din ma tistax isseħħ. l-orizzont ikkomunika ma' Antoine Spiteri u staqsejnieh dwar id-deċiżjoni li jeżilja ruħu minn Malta. Tkellimna miegħu ukoll fuq il-ħajja miżżewġa fir-Renju Unit. |
Hu jiddeskrivi s-soċjetà Maltija bœala li gœandha strutturi inaççettabbli. Spjega li "meta ngœid hekk inkun qed nirreferi gœal-limitazzjoni li membri ta' gruppi ta' minoritajiet jiffaççjaw b'mod personali, soçjalment u anke politikament. Meta tqabbel lil Malta ma' xi pajjiÿi oœrajn Ewropej, il-limitazzjonijiet li jiffaççjaw l-omosesswali f'Malta huma sproporzjonati. Fost dawn hemm nuqqas ta' servizz gœall-komunità ta' omosesswali, lesbjani, bisesswali u transesswali f'Malta. Hemm barrieri kulturali biex tgœix il-œajja ta' omosesswali u limitazzjonijiet fuq opportunitajiet edukattivi gœall-membri ta' gruppi ta' minoranzi. Hemm ukoll il-limitazzjonijiet politiçi bejn l-eterosesswali u l-omosesswali, fosthom l-gœarfien ta' relazzjoni bejn koppji omosesswali, il-liæijiet ta' l-immigrazzjoni u l-gœarfien gœall-familji omosesswali".
Maltese press question MEP over gay club visits
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