Malta, an island steeped in history and culture at the heart of the Mediterranean, has long served as a crossroads of civilisations, blending influences from Phoenician traders, Roman conquerors, Arab settlers, the Knights of St. John, and British colonisers. This diverse heritage is evident in the island’s remarkable architecture, ancient temples, and fortified cities, offering a unique backdrop to its modern society.
From the prehistoric Megalithic Temples of Ġgantija, Hagar Qim, and Mnajdra — some of the oldest in the world — to the baroque grandeur of Valletta, Malta’s landmarks chart centuries of history. The Knights of St. John, who ruled from 1530 to 1798, left a profound architectural and cultural legacy. Their fortified capital, Valletta, built following the Great Siege of 1565, remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Interestingly, despite the religious rigor of the Knights, records indicate that some members of the Order of St. John were known to engage in relationships that today might be classified as LGBTIQ+. Though these relationships were risky in the context of the strict moral code of the time, some knights maintained close, often romantic ties with their comrades.
The islands later became a strategic base for the British Empire during the 19th and 20th centuries. Malta’s pivotal role during World War II earned it the George Cross, symbolising the nation’s bravery and fortitude. During the British period, attitudes remained largely conservative, with homosexuality considered a criminal offense. Yet, like in many parts of the Empire, LGBTIQ+ individuals found covert ways to live authentically, with private communities and coded language providing a means of connection.
Malta’s journey from these conservative beginnings to becoming a European leader in LGBTIQ+ rights is significant. After independence in 1964, Malta took gradual steps toward equality, but significant advancements began in the 21st century. In 2014, Malta included sexual orientation and gender identity protections in its constitution while it recognised same-sex partnerships for the first time. Just a year later, the 2016 Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (GIGESC) Act established Malta as a global pioneer, granting gender self-determination and protecting intersex individuals from non-consensual medical interventions.
Today, Malta consistently tops ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Europe Index, highlighting its commitment to full LGBTIQ+ inclusion with a framework that includes anti-discrimination protections, the banning of conversion practices, marriage equality, and adoption rights.
Valletta’s narrow streets now host modern cultural events, including Malta Pride, an annual celebration that draws locals and visitors to celebrate diversity and equality. Throughout the year, Malta’s welcoming atmosphere is evident in its spaces, where historic sites and its modern outlook to life coexist harmoniously.