Gay Pride in Valletta

A simple example beckons. A recent invitation for an adoption/fostering workshop at work invited all persons regardless of age, race, gender and sexuality, the only criteria to attend were LOVE, TIME AND SPACE. The best interests of children are a foreign concept to Malta. Nobody is asking for any special treatment, in the meantime the gay members of the Maltese community are left funding other people's benefits and rights. What's the fuss with providing basic social and sexual education that promotes a society that's only recognising its children and communities??

@Karl Consiglio. What pettiness? The NSO statisticians apparently have to be told by government what data to collect on lifestyles, because it's not their specialisation apparently. We haven't even bothered collecting the statistics on gay lifestyle, let alone formulate inclusive policies!

Oh, and Mr. Micallef Grimaud, ever wondered how many gay professionals out there devote their working life to support children and families with all sorts of difficulties and they can dream about having their own families? Or aren't these the better things you are referring to???

Karl COnsiglio...Reps from both parties were present, but ironically, one of the reps, but it would be good to understand how these reps vote in the EU parliament. Hypocrisy is so evident sometimes.

As for society, well, I suggest you take a closer look.

Even a quick glance at some comments here just goes to show how society treats gays.

Christopher Troisi. Children's se education is a delicate matter. Children need to be taught the value of friendship, and honesty, and kindness, and sharing. Being decently human in fact. Pointless to teach them about stuff they do not possess and cannot grasp. The qualities just mentioned they alread know of from 'day one' at home and later at school. Sex education will come later, gradually, according to their level. At this stage they will be well grounded in the value of the good human qualities. Not hatred, no excessive competitiveness, no cruelty. At some stage, collectively or individually, they can be appraised of the procreation processes and that there are people who choose to have special friendships with people of their own sex. Gradually does it, no drama, just plain facts without frightening the horses. Seamless inclusion.
No isolation, no depression, no confusion, no self-harm, no attention-seeking, no childhool suicides, no fire and brimstone. Quite simple really. But some thing persist in standing in the way of human development. And for what, exactly?

Would our members of Parliament pls clarify their position in the march. I want to know what these members stand for before voting them next time.

Ummm... anyone can do a parade right? ok nowadays gay parades have become more of an attraction around the world... except in malta where gays, although they have been pretty much accepted, still find resistance from numerous ignorant people. Gay people make up more then 10% of the world population. This means that 1 out of every 5 men is gay. Regarding sex education in school why bothering teaching gay sex? excuse me but sexual education is there to provide children with the needed knowledge for procreation.. gay sex doesn't involve procreation so it does not need to be taught at school. teaching kids about condoms and stuff with regards to diseases and all entails all kinds of sex not just heterosexual. So what kind of sexual education do you want to teach children in regards to gay people?

With all the reps from different parties there, everything ought to be quite ok then. What is the problem? What do they want? Who is the enemy? The church? The church can't change its way, the church is not democratic, the church follows an order. But I think that society in general pretty much acknowledges gay folk, I think that now its up to them to be truly proud and make that true change, to hell with these petty marches, they are very unnecessary at this point. The gay community has been led to the river, now its up to them to drink.

A funny world indeed. There are numerous non-gay parades held ad nauseam on a weekly basis in churches and wedding halls all over the place. And many of them get the opportunity of a second parade in front of the law courts. Chance given, chance taken, case proven.

Dear Mr Micllef Grimaud

Heterosexuals do not do marches cause the do not need to, Should you do your "Homework" in an objective way im sure that you will understand why gay people need to do this. If only there was no need of gay pride!

Monsieur Grimaud, you are not exactly clued up on social politics are you? First thing first (meaning people, moi and thee). The rest will follow.

Dear Pierre, Do you not show your sexual orientation when you marry and make such a fuss about it? But you can parade if you so wish. This is not a case of us against them as you so mischievously try to set it up. Assuming you are heterosexual, be rest assured not all straights are as bigotted as you. Yes, you are a bigot. Joseph Carmel Chetcuti

Dear Micallef Grimaud, We could, if only we didn't constantly find ourselves in situations where we have to justify our sexuality and our relationships. We could, if the State acknowledged our partnership legally and if sex education at our schools treated our relationships and our sexuality as part and parcel of mother nature. We could, if there were enough openly homosexual role models for those going through the pains of growing up. We could, only if. It is indeed a funny world we live in, and those marching are the ones doing something about it.

@Pierre Micallef Grimaud
I'm heterosexual however except for divorce which hopefully I will never need, no one is trampling on my rights as a heterosexual. I can marry, have kids and walk the streets without getting offended for my sexual orientation. Heterosexuals in other countries do not face persecution, extreme violence, and even the death penalty because of their sexual orientation.

If you want to organise a heterosexual pride march you are free to do so. Probably you are free to do so in any country of the world. It isn't the same for homosexuals though, where in some countries (even EU) they would threatened by violent thugs.

I think all this fuss about proclaiming to the world being gay is not really coming from a struggle for recognition inasmuch as a strong inferiority complex mingled with an exhibitionist personality. In other words, even for those who parade without themselves being gay , it is the cult of being "with it", progressive minded, away from oldtime religious bogies, accepting, and followers of the new demi-goddesses of democracy, human rights and freedoms.... or whatever socialist/liberal Europe says even if it goes against traditional moral teaching.
The name Gay Pride itself says quite a lot. In faith, Pride is the root of the seven capital sins and psychologically it is the radix of a failed ego.
I do not see why being outspoken or progressive means demonstrating with them unless one really wants to be 'with it' and consequently dragged along with the anti-Christian tide perverting Christian nations.
I would say a true test will one day come for Malta, not only on gay relationships but possibly on other moral matters.
Perhaps we may even be required to make a choice netween Europe's money and our faith and it is there that our true mettle will be tested.

When are non-gays holding such a parade? Do Heterosexuals get a chance to prove their case as well? What a funny world we live in. We have to show everyone our gender and attractions. I'm sure we could spend more time on better things.