A sea of rainbow colours permeated the streets of Valletta yesterday as the 11th annual gay pride parade took over the city.

Some 200 people gathered in the capital, waving rainbow flags to blasting music.

A small section of the crowd decided to turn on the pizzazz by dressing up in extravagant costumes, replete with leotards and fishnet tights.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that following the gender identity law’s passing, the government will be examining any further barriers to confront them. Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli underlined the need for a change in mentality towards a more equal society.

I want to work so one day, no section of society will feel the need to draw attention to itself

“More work needs to be done in schools and in society. I want to work so that one day, we no longer need to celebrate Women’s Day and Gay Pride because society will be so equal that no section of society will feel the need to draw attention to itself once a year.”

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said Gay Pride celebrations are still necessary, as the issue is not only law, but mentality.

Despite the advancements in LGBTI rights, gay pride is still necessary as it unites different communities around the world in an expression of solidarity with those who are still not equal, Malta Gay Rights Movement coordinator Gabi Calleja said.

“We now have the law and credit to whoever put that law into place. But it’s still a question of mentality. We still need to go through a phase where equality truly is accepted by all.”