How Malta made its name as a top LGBTQ+ tourist destination
travelling as an LGBTQ+ person, from whether homosexuality is illegal in your chosen country, to finding somewhere you’ll be able to find likeminded people.That’s why it’s essential your well-earned break is in a place that gives you the freedom to relax while feeling accepted and safe.One destination that prides itself on its LGBTQ+ friendly attitude is the island of Malta, located in the Mediterranean sea amongst an archipelago that flies the flag for LGBTQ+ rights.Just a three-hour flight from the UK, there’s every reason to visit the Maltese Islands – and it’s not just for the tranquil environment and 300 days of sunshine a year.Individuals and couples of all sexualities and genders can definitely expect a warm welcome, as the country has experienced a definite and positive shift towards greater cultural acceptance of LGBTQ+ people over the years.
So much so, the Maltese Islands ranked top of the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Europe Index in 2016, 2017, and 2018.With homosexuality decriminalised in 1973, residents and tourists are free to have same-sex relationships without fear of persecution.
Since then, LGBTQ+ rights have continued to improve, with lesbian, gay, and bisexual people permitted to serve openly in the military since 2002 and the country throwing it’s first Pride march in 2004.Visitors can also be safe in the knowledge that it’s not just all talk – Malta actually lives up to its reputation as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Not only were they the first country in the world to outlaw sterilisation and invasive surgery on intersex people in 2015, the following year, Malta continued setting examples by becoming the first European country to ban gay conversion therapy.In a destination brimming with rich.
