Blooms of Fried Egg Jellyfish Spotted Along West Coast of Malta

Sep 17 2023

Yesterday, an astonishing sight unfolded along the western coast of Malta and Gozo, as a crowd of Fried Egg Jellyfish was spotted in Zurrieq and Xlendi respectively.

The Fried Egg Jellyfish, AKA Phacellophora camtschatica, has a distinctive saucer-like shape and translucent appearance created a remarkable spectacle against the backdrop of the Mediterranean waters.

In a recent post on the ‘Jellyfish in Malta’ Facebook group, local marine biologist Alan Deidun emphasised the harmlessness of these jellyfish species and urged the public not to persecute them. This message came as part of the ongoing ‘spot the jellyfish’ citizen science campaign, which encourages individuals to report jellyfish sightings to aid in the understanding of their behaviour and distribution in Maltese waters.

The marine biologist extended gratitude to Edmond Schembri and Michael Zammit for their timely alerts, highlighting the importance of community involvement in preserving and studying these fascinating marine creatures.

As more people become aware of the peaceful nature of these jellyfish and engage in responsible observation, it not only enhances our understanding of marine ecosystems but also promotes a harmonious coexistence between humans and the sea.

Did you spot any jellyfish this summer?

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Christina Aguilera Shines at Malta’s EuroPride 2023 Valletta Concert

Sep 17 2023

Yesterday evening, pop icon Christina Aguilera finally took centre stage at Malta’s EuroPride 2023 Valletta concert, rocking a crowd of local and international fans. The event had already seen stellar performances from a lineup that included Queenz, Katerina Stikoudi, Emma Muscat, The Travellers, and Ira Losco, along with local DJs who kept the energy high throughout the night.

Known for her powerful vocals and electric stage presence, Aguilera treated the audience to a spectacular performance spanning her illustrious career. Hits like “Genie in a Bottle,” “Dirrty,” “Fighter,” and “Beautiful” had the crowd singing, dancing, and celebrating together. Her unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community resonated deeply with the audience, creating a unifying experience.

One poignant moment of the evening was Aguilera’s emotional rendition of “Beautiful,” a song promoting self-acceptance and empowerment. The concert wasn’t just about music; it was a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the ability of music to bring people together.

Christina Aguilera’s performance at EuroPride 2023 Valletta demonstrated the incredible power of music to touch hearts and unite people from all walks of life. Her finale left the EuroPride crowd with lasting memories and a renewed commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, showcasing why she remains an icon in both music and the hearts of those who value love and acceptance.

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He Said Yes! On-Stage Proposal Takes Place at EuroPride 2023 Concert

Sep 17 2023

During yesterday’s EuroPride 2023 concert in Fosos, Floriana, a heartwarming proposal stole the spotlight after Christina Aguilera’s performance.

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David and Luke, a loving Maltese couple, took the stage to declare their commitment to each other. As David dropped to one knee, Luke tearfully accepted his proposal, igniting an outpouring of love and support from the audience.

With tears of joy, local dancer Luke said yes as the couple celebrated their moment of love with the crowd. David and Luke’s proposal served as a beacon of hope, inspiring all in attendance and leaving an indelible mark on the event. It showcased that love has the power to bring people together, fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for everyone.

Today, Day Eleven, is the last day of EuroPride 2023 Valletta, with a number of events happening across the island including ARC’s Boat Parade around the Grand Harbour at 5:30, ‘Polyester Princess’ at Spazju Kreattiv at 7:30PM and Queer Classics at Maori, Valletta at 8PM.

Did you attend the EuroPride 2023 concert?

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First Gay Couple To Deliver Speech In Maltese Parliament

Sep 16 2023

In a landmark moment that resonated far beyond the halls of the Maltese Parliament, Cyrus Engerer and Randolph De Battista, a couple and two prominent LGBTQ+ figures in Maltese politics, became the first gay couple to deliver speeches in the Maltese Parliament.

Their heartfelt and inspiring addresses served as a testament to the progress made in Malta on LGBTQ+ rights and the work that still lies ahead.

MEP Cyrus Engerer began by acknowledging the skepticism they faced when they initially proposed the idea of discussing LGBTQ+ rights in the parliament. Despite those doubts, they successfully gathered legislators to engage in a dialogue about change.

Engerer’s speech was particularly moving when he addressed the situation in Uganda, where LGBTQ+ individuals face threats and violence due to the deeply entrenched hatred and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments. He applauded Ugandan legislators who had the courage to speak up against such hatred and thanked them for their bravery.

Emotions ran high during Engerer’s speech as he reflected on the progress made. He reminded the audience of a time when LGBTQ+ individuals could not openly be themselves and faced such despair that some took their own lives. Engerer highlighted that they were marching not just for themselves but also for those who could not. This poignant message culminated in a standing ovation, symbolising the collective support for the LGBTQ+ community’s journey towards equality.

MP Randolph De Battista began by stating that this was his favorite day in Parliament, a day that marked progress and inclusivity.

De Battista recounted a significant event he had recently attended: a screening of the film ‘Who I Am Not,’ which told the story of two intersex youths raised in Africa. After the movie, during a Q&A session, someone expressed the joy of being able to walk the streets of Valletta, hand in hand with their partner, without fear. De Battista acknowledged that there was a time in Malta when such a simple act was impossible, and he drew parallels to the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda following the passage of oppressive laws.

As the only openly gay Member of Parliament in Malta, De Battista shared his experiences of being different and discriminated against. He emphasised the importance of offering a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth who confide in him, drawing on his own experiences.

De Battista’s speech also touched on the prevalence of hate and homophobia, revealing a personal encounter with hate mail that he cleverly defused with humor. He decried the amount of hatred in society and called out politicians who perpetuate hate. He defended the need for pride marches as a means of countering hate with messages of love and hope.

In closing, De Battista emphasised the historic significance of the day, with a room filled with LGBTQ+ politicians and legislators working toward change. He encouraged everyone not to listen to conservative voices, celebrating Malta’s journey from “zero to hero” in LGBTQ+ rights.

The speeches by Cyrus Engerer and Randolph De Battista marked a milestone in the Maltese Parliament’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Their messages of hope, love, and progress reverberated not only throughout Malta but also served as a beacon for the ongoing global struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.

#MaltaDaily