LGBTIQ+ Captain America revealed by Marvel

Mar 16 2021

Marvel Comics is celebrating 80 years of Captain America and the new series ‘The United States of America’ will feature Aaron Fischer, known as the ‘Captain America of the Railways.’ Fischer is an openly gay hero and he teams up with original Captain America Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson’s Falcon and Bucky Barnes the Winter Soldier to find the lost iconic shield.

So exciting to see my pal @losthiskeysman create a new queer Captain America with @obazaldua. Pin-up by @ArtofNickRobles! pic.twitter.com/6nJOnLzeq2

— Oliver Sava (@OliverSava) March 15, 2021

Aaron Fischer is being written by Joshua Trujillo and artist Jan Bazaldua, two immensely talented comic book artists. Trujillo stated how the new character is inspired by heroes from the queer community such as activists, leaders and everyday fellows. Standing up for the oppressed and forgotten, the artist hopes Fischer’s story helps inspire the next generation of heroes. The first issue will be available on June 2nd, at the start of Pride Month.

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Sex work decriminalisation in Malta backed up by European sex worker unions

Mar 16 2021

Malta’s government plans to decriminalise prostitution has been backed up by a whole group of sex worker and LGBTIQ+ rights unions. The groups published a statement claiming that the efforts towards a reform in Maltese law are supported by them, seeking the protection of sex workers. The Maltese government’s pledge to reform the laws and decriminalise sex work was opposed by a series of local women’s rights groups.

The statement by the group however stated that sex workers globally are demanding decriminalisation, along with rights to self-determination and organisation. With Malta seen as a leader in LGBTIQ+ protection, they continued to claim that criminalisation of sex workers leads to more, rather than less, violence towards them.

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Undercover Police patrolling bars scheme sparks outrage

Mar 16 2021

Undercover police in plain-clothes are set to be deployed across UK bars as measures to help keep women safe. The move, dubbed ‘Project Vigilant’, was announced following a meeting of Crime and Justice Taskforce, chaired by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The reaction of the public however was not one of agreement as many replied through social media that the idea is in fact abhorrent.

Many stated that no one would feel safe in bars full of secret police and others added that the decision was out of touch. Many asked the government to scratch the idea and invest in other programmes that can actually help women. Johnson also added that the Safer Streets Fund will be increased to £45 million and investing in lighting and CCTV.

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313 COVID-19 cases registered overnight with 215 recoveries

67 COVID-19 cases registered overnight with 323 recoveries

Mar 16 2021

Malta has registered 313 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours from 4,463 swab tests, while 215 patients have recovered. This information was announced by the official Facebook page of Malta’s Ministry for Health.

As of Tuesday 15th March 2021, 126,277 vaccine doses were administered of which 40,681 were 2nd doses.

To date, Malta has registered 27,061 COVID-19 cases in total, of which: 23,591 have recovered, 357 died and 3,113 are still active.

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