Restoration and renovation work will soon commence on a government building on Triq l-Ifran in Valletta to create a community center dedicated to providing psychosocial services for LGBTIQ+ individuals and their families.
This project was announced by Minister for Lands and Implementation of the Electoral Program, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, and Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, during a press conference. They highlighted that the initiative is supported by public investment to further the journey towards equality.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi stated that the transfer of this building fulfills another electoral promise to the LGBTIQ+ community. He explained that the Lands Authority is conducting a crucial exercise to identify government properties that can serve community needs, working with other government entities to breathe new life into these buildings.
He stressed that the value of a building is not just financial but also depends on its use. He is confident that this transfer will greatly benefit the LGBTIQ+ community and society as a whole. He also mentioned that the Lands Authority will continue to collaborate responsibly with various NGOs and Local Councils to identify additional sites for better societal benefit.
Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg noted that this center will be a crucial addition to the efforts that bring the LGBTIQ+ community closer to equality and strengthen respect for human rights for queer individuals. She pointed out that although significant strides have been made over the past decade, with Malta ranking first in the European Equality Index for nine consecutive years, prejudices and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ individuals still exist.
The center will provide a variety of services under one roof, including emotional and psychological support through counseling and therapy to help individuals address emotional and mental challenges. Health services, such as the Gender Wellbeing Clinic, will be offered by both the state and NGOs. The center will also tackle cases of discrimination by providing advisory and psychosocial support services to those affected.
An important function of the center is to promote equality through awareness and education campaigns aimed at changing persistent stereotypical attitudes. The center will also provide access to resources and learning opportunities, including a specialized library.
The goal of this project is to enhance social inclusion by offering a space where LGBTIQ+ individuals can meet, interact, and support each other, contributing to a more cohesive and inclusive society. Additionally, the center aims to support families through informational sessions for parents to better understand and accept their children’s identities.
