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Metro
3 days ago
- Metro
I partied in Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly country — and discovered its secret
When I asked my tour guide what he loved most about Malta, his answer caught me off guard. After boasting about the island's rich history and the fact that its litany of enthralling attractions are all within an hour's drive, he casually added: 'And it's been voted the world's safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers.' Now, gays love to travel. The only thing they love more than travelling is letting everyone who will listen know that they love travelling. But I don't think I've ever seen any of the LGBTQ+ people I follow on social media posting thirst traps from Malta. Of course, that will all change when the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla makes its international debut there later this year. The location is a clever choice. For the 10th year running, Malta is top of the Rainbow Map, an annual chart that ranks European countries on their respective legal and policy practises for LGBTQ+ people. I spent four days in Malta last summer, and I can see why it consistently takes the crown, while the UK continues to plummet. We're currently 22nd on the list; just over a decade ago, we were number one. Granted, I was in Malta at a particularly gay time of year. It was Malta Pride 2024 and, despite marching at many British Pride events, this was the first time I'd ever branched out and flown overseas to celebrate our brave and magical community. Everyone was welcome everywhere, which no longer feels the case here in the UK. At home, every Pride march I've attended comes with banners telling us we're going to hell. In Malta, there wasn't a single protester in sight. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! In the lead-up to Malta Pride, though, I wasn't sensing much hype. With less than 24 hours to go until the big day, walking through the capital, Valletta, I didn't see a single rainbow flag. Strange, I thought, for the safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers. I also noticed a surprising lack of gay bars. According to Google, there was only one on the whole island, but 'we don't need them' was the consensus from people I spoke to in Malta. Everywhere is LGBTQ+ friendly. There were, of course, bars where LGBTQ+ people seemed to hang out, but there was no clear advertising. I spent longer than I should have, drinking more Margaritas than I ever thought possible, at Café Society – clearly one of the most popular bars in the city. Customers poured out onto the steps and the neighbourhood felt more alive than I've ever seen Soho. Once the most thriving LGBTQ+ hub in the world, it's now on its knees. Still, I was intrigued by how Malta would celebrate Pride. Would anyone even turn up? In fact, very inch of Valletta was full to the brim. It felt like everyone on the island and then some were there to take part, LGBTQ+ or not. The streets were lined with dancers, Cher's Believe blasted from speakers and I've never experienced a Pride filled with so much joy. I haven't danced or laughed as hard in years. Drag queens from all over the world entertained locals with a free show right in the centre of the island, which was open to anyone (and drinks were half the price you'd find at a UK Pride). Birmingham-based drag star Miss Penny, a legend in the UK and a regular at London's Admiral Duncan, brought her absolute filth to Valletta, dragging her adoring crowd with lines that for legal (and moral) reasons cannot be repeated here. @ Yesterday, Malta Pride painted the town in vibrant colours as thousands gathered for the Malta Pride March 2024 in Valletta, organised by Malta Pride and Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC). The march, a highlight of the annual Malta Pride festivities, kicked off at the iconic Triton Fountain at 6:00 PM with an inspiring opening ceremony that set the tone for an evening of celebration, unity, and advocacy. The parade made its way through the bustling streets of Valletta, with participants proudly waving rainbow flags, holding banners, and dancing to music from colourful floats. DJs kept the energy high as the procession moved towards the historic St. George's Square, where the festivities culminated in a spectacular concert. The march celebrated 20 years of Malta Pride, marking two decades of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community. #MaltaDaily ♬ original sound – She kept us on our feet until 11pm, for free, before the party starters descended on Marrakesh nightclub – an astonishing open-air venue with floating trees and seven stages that feel like they're plonked right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. It was spectacular, packed with hes, shes, theys and everything in between — the friendliest crowd I've ever met on a night out. My face was dripping with sweat, but that didn't put anyone off having a chinwag about the one thing that united everyone there, no matter what country we came from or the language we spoke. But what makes Malta the best place for LGBTQ+ travellers? I wondered why locals felt so much safer here than in other parts of the world. Jelle, 63, moved to Malta from Amsterdam and said the island's size goes a long way to help. 'It's such a small country, you can't be anonymous and so there can't be any harassment,' she says. 'If I mention my husband's name, everybody knows him. That's why it's so tolerant and fantastic for LGBTQ+ people.' Perhaps that's the secret: community. Everyone LGBTQ+ is recognised as someone's child, a sibling, or their neighbour; they're untouchable. I can't begin to imagine living with that level of empowerment, but for four days, I got to experience it first-hand. More Trending In the brief time I spent in Malta, that sense of community was abundantly clear at every turn. It breaks my heart that I live in a city that feels ever more fractured, with animosity towards LGBTQ+ people only increasing. Mighty Hoopla will be launching its first overseas festival in Malta this September. If the line-up hasn't yet convinced you to buy a ticket, I would jump at the chance to experience Malta when it's bursting with love for the LGBTQ+ community — especially at a time when it sometimes feels so lacking back home. This article was originally published on June 14, 2025. MORE: This African country is the continent's best-kept safari secret MORE: Is it safe to travel to Spain during the heatwave? Latest advice as Seville hits 41C MORE: Budapest Pride attracts 100,000 in defiance of Hungary's ban
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Are these the most X-rated pop moments of all time? From Sabrina's filthy BRITs performance to Prince baring all
One act received more than 1,500 complaints - and it's wasn't Sabrina Carpenter XXX-PRESSO Are these the most X-rated pop moments of all time? From Sabrina's filthy BRITs performance to Prince baring all OLIVIA Rodrigo, the 1975, Lola Young, Rod Stewart, RAYE - Glastonbury is back for the 55th year, with revellers enjoying five days of show-stopping performances and heaps of booze. Indeed, the festival season officially begins with Glastonbury, and over the next couple of months, many artists are bound to hit the headlines with their acts, some more controversial than others. Advertisement 18 American singer Kesha recently sparked outrage following her ''vulgar'' performance Credit: Eroteme 18 The songstress was sporting a red latex catsuit and knee high boots as she seemingly mimicked oral sex Credit: Eroteme American singer Kesha recently sparked outrage following her ''vulgar'' performance as she headlined the second night of pop festival Mighty Hoopla in London earlier in June. While singing new track Boy Crazy the TiK ToK hitmaker, 38, took to her hands and knees and suggestively chomped on a banana which a male dancer held between his legs. The songstress was sporting a red latex catsuit and knee high boots as she seemingly mimicked oral sex for the fans. A clip of the X-rated display was shared on Instagram with critics rushing to the comments where branded Kesha ''desperate for attention'', Mail Online reported. Advertisement ''That's vulgar'', one fumed. ''Ohh she's desperate for attention,'' another slammed the artist. ''Music is support to be art not porn!! What the heck!!'' a third shamed the singer. As thousands of festival-goers are eagerly awaiting their favourite musicians and bands to take over the Worthy Farm, here are the most racy stage moments of all time - from steamy smooches to stimulating masturbation. Advertisement Making out with three dancers 18 She shocked fans when she shared a steamy smooch with a female dancer Credit: Getty Hosting the American Music Awards in Las Vegas, J-Lo proved she's definitely left ex-hubby Ben Affleck in the past by kissing not one, but three of her dancers - men and women - during an X-rated routine. The surprise snogs happened as the mother-of-two, 55, writhed on stage to Teddy Swims' Lose Control during a medley of hits by the night's nominees, and sparked a flurry of comments on social media. 18 The songstress also locked lips with a male dancer, sending social media into a meltdown Credit: Splash Advertisement Country Star HARDY Cancels European Tour for Family and Crew Some branded Jennifer's performance "embarrassing" while others questioned whether she'd "lost the plot". Another viewer wrote: "Just looked up from my phone and JENNIFER LOPEZ IS KISSING A GIRL?!?!" Others then suggested the Maid In Manhattan actress had staged the routine intentionally to make ex husband Ben Affleck jealous, after their divorce was finalised. The Ain't Your Mama star stripped to a semi-sheer catsuit adorned with silver panels and jewel detail for her performance, cutting a glam figure as she styled her hair poker-straight. Advertisement Foam fingers and twerking 18 Miley set hearts racing as she was seen twerking on Robin Thicke in 2013 Credit: Getty - Contributor When Miley Cyrus, now 32, was transitioning from Disney child star to a pop icon, she was doing everything in her power to distance herself from her role as Hannah Montana. To achieve this, the Tennessee-born singer leaned a lot on an image change that involved a fair amount of twerking. Her new love of expression was on full display in her 2013 performance with fellow star Robin Thicke at the MTV Video Music Awards, where they sang We Can't Stop and Blurred Lines. Advertisement 18 The Wrecking Ball millionaire was met with huge backlash following the vulgar performance Credit: AP:Associated Press The jaw-dropping acts featured teddy bears and many sexual innuendos involving foam fingers that made this performance controversial and shocking. Miley, who officially separated from Liam Hemsworth six years later, in 2019, succeeded in generating upset and buzz. The Wrecking Ball millionaire was met with huge backlash, including from the Parents Television Council that voiced concern over the ceremony's inability to keep the performances clean. Advertisement Stripping to lingerie 18 The pint-sized bombshell took to the stage in a daring red sparkly lingerie Credit: Getty BRITs viewers threatened to call Ofcom as the latest pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter stripped to sexy lingerie for a very steamy performance. The 25-year-old pint-sized bombshell took to the stage in a daring red sparkly lingerie with matching stockings and suspenders. 18 In total, the awards ceremony prompted a whopping 825 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom Credit: Alamy Advertisement The Espresso star was also seen having a close encounter with a dancer dressed as a soldier wearing a bearskin hat during the show, broadcast live on ITV. Performing in revealing lace lingerie, including thigh harnesses, Sabrina - who was sat provocatively on a heart-shaped bed - embraced the innuendo-filled nature of her music. However, not everyone was impressed, with some expressing their disapproval on social media, claiming the performance was too risqué for a primetime audience. In total, the awards ceremony prompted a whopping 825 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom, with the majority involving Sabrina's pre-watershed opening performance, BBC reported. Advertisement 'I truly hope no children were watching' 18 Grammys host Trevor Noah prepared the audience ahead of the raunchy act Credit: Getty It's the hit that got everyone talking five years ago - so it comes as no surprise that Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion caused outrage when they were performing WAP at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Grammys host Trevor Noah prepared the audience ahead of the raunchy act, advising: "If you have small children in the room, just tell them it's a song about giving a cat a bath." Donning a neon purple two-piece, former stripper Cardi B, 32, kicked off the song by showing off her curves against a pole, before being joined by a group of backup dancers. Advertisement Megan Thee Stallion, 30, then hit the stage for her verse in a tight purple one-piece. The two later appeared on a massive bed, crawling and intertwining their legs as they danced together, USA Today reported. 18 Some social media users expressed concern for kids who may have been watching the awards show Credit: Getty But while the risqué performance earned praise from fans online, plenty of critics argued it was inappropriate. Advertisement "I'm a pretty laid back person, but having WAP featured on the #GRAMMYs is absolutely disgusting and ridiculous," wrote one X - formerly known as Twitter - user. Some social media users expressed concern for kids who may have been watching the awards show. "i truly hope no children were watching the WAP performance.." said another. "WAP!! At the #GRAMMYs," chimed in someone else. Advertisement ''Really where is the reserved decency and honour for our children! There's a time and place for everything ppl! This was neither for this song. No class #GRAMMYs." Three-way smooch 18 The provocative display sparked headlines worldwide and became one of the most talked-about moments in awards show history Credit: Getty Images - Getty 18 The zoom-in of Justin meant viewers at home then missed the second kiss between the Hung Up hitmaker and Christina Credit: AFP The 2003 MTV VMAs delivered a truly unforgettable opener when Madonna shared passionate snogs with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during a performance of her hits Like a Virgin and Hollywood. Advertisement After the pop queen locked lips with Britney, then 22, the cameras panned to Justin Timberlake, who looked anything but impressed by his ex's antics. The zoom-in of Justin meant viewers at home then missed the second kiss between the Hung Up hitmaker and Christina. The provocative display, with Britney and Christina both clad in white lace corsets in a nod to Madonna's legendary 1984 VMA performance, sparked headlines worldwide and became one of the most talked-about moments in awards show history. 18 The cameras caught the reaction of Britney's ex, Justin Timberlake, during the moment Credit: Wenn Advertisement Baring it all 18 Prince performed at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards Held in Los Angeles Credit: Getty The late Purple Rain singer pushed boundaries at the 1991 MTV VMAs. During his performance of Gett Off, Prince left the audience open-mouthed with his bizarre outfit. The yellow lace costume featured dozens of cheeky cutouts revealing his bare buttocks. Advertisement The daring ensemble, by Prince's costume designer Stacia Lang, used illusion fabrics to suggest nudity, creating a buzz that overshadowed even the pyrotechnics on stage. It was a shock for everyone watching — both at home and in the studio. 18 According to Stacia Lang, the controversial outfit actually offered less exposure than it appeared to Credit: MTV 'The camera seemed embarrassed,' reported the Chicago Tribune of the performance, 'constantly cutting away to avoid whichever lurid scene it was stumbling across.' Advertisement But according to Stacia Lang, the controversial outfit actually offered less exposure than it appeared to. In the latest episode of 'The Prince Mixtape,' the master behind the ensemble explained that she used a thin, net-like fabric called marquisette to suggest exposed buttocks. 'There was a beautiful, white, pure, really heavy French lace that we took right away to the dyers and had that dyed bright citron yellow,' she said. 'And also (the dyer) had to dye up several fabrics that would create the illusion that his rear end was showing.' Advertisement Festival Essentials FESTIVAL season is upon us - and if you're a camping first-timer, here's the five items you mustn't forget. Tent Sleeping bag Roll mat or air bed Camping chair Torch Work, work, work 18 Some of the moves included the ''dutty whine'' that left many in the audience hot under the collar Credit: Getty - Contributor Bronchitis may have stopped Rihanna from performing at the Grammys in 2016 but she was back on full form for a raunchy live show at the Brit Awards just ten days later. The Umbrella star and mum-of-two brought out Canadian rapper Drake as a surprise guest for her rendition of their chart-topping hit. Advertisement The Fenty Beauty face kicked off the steamy performance dressed in white tasseled trousers and sunnies as red and blue lights crisscrossed over her. The 37-year-old was soon joined by a troupe of black-clad, twerking backing dancers before the Hotline Bling millionaire came out for his verse. Cue plenty of X-rated moves, including the ''dutty whine'', that left many in the audience hot under the collar. The duo released the seven-minute, two-part music video for 'Work' in February 2016. Advertisement The first half sees RiRi and Drake hit the dance floor in a Caribbean restaurant before getting more intimate in the club's VIP area during the second half. A leash and a dancer's face near the groin 18 The performance featured the star pulling a back-up dancer wearing a leash across the stage Credit: Getty Adam Lambert - who rose to fame in 2009 after finishing as runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol - went all out for his debut American Music Awards performance the same year... and made quite the impression. The former contestant performed his single For Your Entertainment, which critics thought to be too frisky for an award show. Advertisement The performance's production featured the Whataya Want From Me star pulling a back-up dancer wearing a leash across the stage, bringing another dancer's face near his groin, and kissing his male keyboard player. 18 Adam's raunchy performance saw over 1,500 people complain to ABC Credit: Getty Like Sabrina, Adam, 43, had more than 1,500 members of the Parents Television Council calling ABC to complain about his freedom of expression. Adam then defended the performance, The Hollywood Reporter shared. Advertisement 'Female performers have been doing this for years — pushing the envelope about sexuality — and the minute a man does it, everybody freaks out,' the openly gay singer said backstage at the awards show. 'My goal was not to p**s people off; it was to promote freedom of expression and artistic freedom.'
Metro
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
G Flip reveals explicit queer terms they had to teach wife Chrishell Stause
Before meeting G Flip, Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause was clueless about the meaning of 'scissoring'. Three years ago, the actress-turned-reality star hard-launched her relationship with the Australian musician. It was a surprise for many fans of the Netflix series, as well as Chrishell herself, who had never even considered she was queer before meeting G, who is non-binary. At the time they were met with a wave of a support from fans, however also faced shocking homophobia and claims their relationship was simply a 'PR stunt'. But a few years on, the pair are stronger than ever. Speaking to Metro during Pride Month, and after performing at the queer favourite festival Mighty Hoopla in London, G has reflected on their whirlwind rise to fame, their relationship with Chrishell, and what else is in the works music-wise. For those unfamiliar with G, they began playing the drums at the age of nine, initially having plans to pursue a career playing in bands. But after deciding to have a go at going solo, in 2018 they uploaded their debut single About You to the music discovery platform Triple J Unearthed. The song took off and kick-started G's career, with the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist going on to release debut album About Us in 2019. That was followed by Drummer in 2023, which debuted at the top of Australia's ARIA Album Charts and saw G tour it twice across the UK last year. During G's UK shows, they regularly broke down in tears, thanking fans for their support, especially considering their team didn't anticipate just how many fans were in the UK. 'I feel like I didn't know I had any people who knew my music on this side of the world until last year. We put on one show and no-one, including my booking manager and agent, thought we would sell it out and then we did it for three shows. Then we realised, 'oh sh**', we actually have a bigger fan base here than we knew about, so then we came back and played other shows,' they said. 'It's been pretty fun. The shows here are insane – I don't know what's cooking over here, but people be loud and screaming songs! Some of our favourite shows have been in the UK – people really get into it, it's awesome!' A new fan base was undoubtedly introduced to their music when they first appeared on Selling Sunset, a decision G admitted they'd been nervous about. 'I definitely questioned it because reality TV isn't really my bag or my world. I was a little bit anxious, but the thing Chrishell and I spoke about was that it would be so good for queer and nonbinary representation,' they said. 'But I was a bit scared…it's reality TV but there's also eight f***ing cameras in the room…that's still so weird to me.' However, G added: 'It led some people to my music, and I am very lucky to have people who are supportive of us and also my music and dreams.' However, with the newfound attention, G and Chrishell also faced hostility. 'We have a lot of hate online from trolls and keyboard warriors who are always DM'ing us or commenting on our photos. I'm not much of a comment reader to be honest – I never have been – but what people say about me, or my relationship doesn't affect me,' they explained. 'It doesn't make me feel insecure because I feel really secure in my relationship and gender identity and sexuality and who I am, so if people tell me 'you're not non-binary, you're a girl' I just shrug it off.' After meeting at a Halloween party in 2021, G and Chrishell were friends before romance blossomed, with the latter previously speaking about initially rejecting G's advances thinking she was only interested in men. So, when they did start dating, G joked Chrishell, now 43, had a lot to learn. 'What's beautiful about Chrishell is that she was so eager to learn and started asking me so many questions. We had deep talks about pronouns and me being non-binary and she would ask if she should step in if people didn't get my pronouns right. 'Really cute sh** like that, which is why I love and adore her so much. She did ask me what a U-Haul lesbian was. All the queer terms that we use. I told her what a top and bottom were and what scissoring was. It was fun. A few years on she is very up to speed and is now the teacher for other people,' G laughs. Since being catapulted into the spotlight globally through their relationship, G has been inundated with people sharing their own coming out stories. 'I take seriously when people look up to me. I think it's really beautiful and I hold it really close to my heart to be the best representation I can be for the non-binary and queer community. I love the community and living authentically who you are is such a euphoric experience and I want everyone to feel that. If I have in any way helped them discover who they are, then I am doing my job,' they said. Last week G released their latest song Big Ol' Hammer, which they called 'the queerest song I've ever written'. 'It's camp, tongue-in-cheek, fun, and not to be taken too seriously. When I wrote it, I immediately knew I wanted to release it during Pride.' Performing in the UK not long after the Supreme Court's controversial decision on defining what it means to be a woman, G weighed in. 'I would want to know more so I could get my wording right on what the ruling was, but gender is a spectrum. I am non-binary and that is who I am. How you feel in your gender is how you feel in your gender. 'When people say 'there is two genders and nothing else' that is just not the case. The world is evolving, and gender and sexuality is. It's forever changing and it's beautiful. 'There are sh** times happening but it's also making us as a community come together and fight and be united, so it's really beautiful in that sense that it's bringing us closer.' More Trending Speaking about living in the US at a time when the rights of queer and transgender people are under threat, G said it was unsettling but was also feeling hopeful. 'I am feeling for my trans brothers and sisters out there, and it is such a hard time, but I feel the community is coming together and holding each other closer and Pride events happening this month, we have each other's backs which is really beautiful for see,' they said. 'I think in times and years to come we will look back and it will obviously be a sad and a hard time, but we will also remember how we had each other's backs, which I think is beautiful in dark times.' G-Flip's latest singles Disco Cowgirl and Big Ol' Hammer are out now, with an album and planned UK tour dates on the way. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Chris Brown returns to Manchester for first show in city since prison release MORE: Gwyneth Paltrow goes topless as she dishes up 'boyfriend breakfast' MORE: Cher 'doing everything she can' after son rushed to hospital with drug overdose
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans Mistake 2000s Pop Star, 34, for Shania Twain: ‘Absolute Body Goals'
Fans Mistake 2000s Pop Star, 34, for Shania Twain: 'Absolute Body Goals' originally appeared on Parade. JoJo is not looking back, but a recent appearance at the Mighty Hoopla pop music festival had fans mistaking the Too Little, Too Late songstress for another music legend. The comparison is certainly a compliment—a testament to both singers' lasting careers (and timeless appearance!).In a video shared to social media of JoJo's performance at the London-based music festival, she can be seen wearing a two-piece sheer sequin outfit, resembling a pitch-perfect mermaid. With her blonde hair cut just below her shoulders and light bangs framing her face, fans were quick to comment on her striking resemblance to Canada's own Shania Twain. On a TikTok video, one fan wrote, 'Thought this was Shania Twain!' while another commented, 'Thought this was Shania Twain in her prime.' When not mistaking JoJo for Shania (a compliment to both, don't you think?), fans were overwhelmingly supportive of the 34-year-old. One wrote, 'She is beautiful,' and another noted, 'She looks fantastic.'One commenter summed up what so many were thinking while watching the video: 'ABSOLUTE BODY GOALS.' Compliments—and all caps—well deserved. JoJo, whose real name is Joanna Noëlle Levesque, is currently performing both new and classic hits on her Too Much To Say Tour. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Fans Mistake 2000s Pop Star, 34, for Shania Twain: 'Absolute Body Goals' first appeared on Parade on Jun 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Metro
14-06-2025
- Metro
I partied in the most LGBT-friendly country in Europe — it puts the UK to shame
When I asked my tour guide what he loved most about Malta, his answer caught me off guard. After boasting about the island's rich history and the fact that its litany of enthralling attractions are all within an hour's drive, he casually added: 'And it's been voted the world's safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers.' Now, gays love to travel. The only thing they love more than travelling is letting everyone who will listen know that they love travelling. But I don't think I've ever seen any of the LGBTQ+ people I follow on social media posting thirst traps from Malta. Of course, that will all change when the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla makes its international debut there later this year. The location is a clever choice. For the 10th year running, Malta is top of the Rainbow Map, an annual chart that ranks European countries on their respective legal and policy practises for LGBTQ+ people. I spent four days in Malta last summer, and I can see why it consistently takes the crown, while the UK continues to plummet. We're currently 22nd on the list; just over a decade ago, we were number one. Granted, I was in Malta at a particularly gay time of year. It was Malta Pride 2024 and, despite marching at many British Pride events, this was the first time I'd ever branched out and flown overseas to celebrate our brave and magical community. Everyone was welcome everywhere, which no longer feels the case here in the UK. At home, every Pride march I've attended comes with banners telling us we're going to hell. In Malta, there wasn't a single protester in sight. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! In the lead-up to Malta Pride, though, I wasn't sensing much hype. With less than 24 hours to go until the big day, walking through the capital, Valletta, I didn't see a single rainbow flag. Strange, I thought, for the safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers. I also noticed a surprising lack of gay bars. According to Google, there was only one on the whole island, but 'we don't need them' was the consensus from people I spoke to in Malta. Everywhere is LGBTQ+ friendly. There were, of course, bars where LGBTQ+ people seemed to hang out, but there was no clear advertising. I spent longer than I should have, drinking more Margaritas than I ever thought possible, at Café Society – clearly one of the most popular bars in the city. Customers poured out onto the steps and the neighbourhood felt more alive than I've ever seen Soho. Once the most thriving LGBTQ+ hub in the world, it's now on its knees. Still, I was intrigued by how Malta would celebrate Pride. Would anyone even turn up? In fact, very inch of Valletta was full to the brim. It felt like everyone on the island and then some were there to take part, LGBTQ+ or not. The streets were lined with dancers, Cher's Believe blasted from speakers and I've never experienced a Pride filled with so much joy. I haven't danced or laughed as hard in years. Drag queens from all over the world entertained locals with a free show right in the centre of the island, which was open to anyone (and drinks were half the price you'd find at a UK Pride). Birmingham-based drag star Miss Penny, a legend in the UK and a regular at London's Admiral Duncan, brought her absolute filth to Valletta, dragging her adoring crowd with lines that for legal (and moral) reasons cannot be repeated here. @ Yesterday, Malta Pride painted the town in vibrant colours as thousands gathered for the Malta Pride March 2024 in Valletta, organised by Malta Pride and Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC). The march, a highlight of the annual Malta Pride festivities, kicked off at the iconic Triton Fountain at 6:00 PM with an inspiring opening ceremony that set the tone for an evening of celebration, unity, and advocacy. The parade made its way through the bustling streets of Valletta, with participants proudly waving rainbow flags, holding banners, and dancing to music from colourful floats. DJs kept the energy high as the procession moved towards the historic St. George's Square, where the festivities culminated in a spectacular concert. The march celebrated 20 years of Malta Pride, marking two decades of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community. #MaltaDaily ♬ original sound – She kept us on our feet until 11pm, for free, before the party starters descended on Marrakesh nightclub – an astonishing open-air venue with floating trees and seven stages that feel like they're plonked right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. It was spectacular, packed with hes, shes, theys and everything in between — the friendliest crowd I've ever met on a night out. My face was dripping with sweat, but that didn't put anyone off having a chinwag about the one thing that united everyone there, no matter what country we came from or the language we spoke. But what makes Malta the best place for LGBTQ+ travellers? I wondered why locals felt so much safer here than in other parts of the world. Jelle, 63, moved to Malta from Amsterdam and said the island's size goes a long way to help. 'It's such a small country, you can't be anonymous and so there can't be any harassment,' she says. 'If I mention my husband's name, everybody knows him. That's why it's so tolerant and fantastic for LGBTQ+ people.' Perhaps that's the secret: community. Everyone LGBTQ+ is recognised as someone's child, a sibling, or their neighbour; they're untouchable. I can't begin to imagine living with that level of empowerment, but for four days, I got to experience it first-hand. More Trending In the brief time I spent in Malta, that sense of community was abundantly clear at every turn. It breaks my heart that I live in a city that feels ever more fractured, with animosity towards LGBTQ+ people only increasing. Mighty Hoopla will be launching its first overseas festival in Malta this September. If the line-up hasn't yet convinced you to buy a ticket, I would jump at the chance to experience Malta when it's bursting with love for the LGBTQ+ community — especially at a time when it sometimes feels so lacking back home. MORE: The sunniest city in Europe is an 'underrated gem' — with return flights for £44 MORE: Europe's 'fairytale' country is so tiny it could fit into the UK 1,521 times MORE: Ryanair shares warning over 'unfair' issue making holidaymakers miss their flights
