MALTA LGBTIQ RIGHTS MOVEMENT

MGRM strives to achieve full equality for LGBTIQ people in Maltese society; a society that enables people to live openly and fully without fear of discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. Our current main activities are: Rainbow Support Service, which offers free counselling services for LGBTIQ+ people and their families Youth Group - A fortnightly youth group for youths aged 13-25 led by youth workers from the Rainbow Support Service featuring activities planned by and tailored for the youths Fundraising Events - Currently, we are fundraising for Dar il-Qawsalla (Rainbow House), which will be Malta's first shelter for marginalised, homeless & low income members for the LGBTIQ community, and will also serve as a community space for the LGBTIQ+ community and allies. Rainbow Library - A library featuring thousands of LGBTIQ+ books, journals and studies of different genres, which we engage 4 volunteers on a monthly basis Podcast - Currently working on a podcast which will feature national and international LGBTIQ+ activists, allies, with the focus on informing, educating and entertaining Education Campaigns - Collaborating with schools on a more gender and sexual orientation inclusive Personal & Social Development classes Rainbow Family Network - In collaboration with the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, we organise monthly meet-up for families with LGBTIQ+ parents or LGBTIQ+ children. Our core values are: -Transparency and Accountability in all operations of the organisation -Solidarity with other discriminated groups of people with mutual support in combating oppression and discrimination and fighting for equality in Malta as well as with other regions of the world -LGBTIQ Affirmative practice in all its advocacy work and service provision -Respect for diversity among LGBTIQ individuals and within society -Respect and Recognition for the fundamental cultural, social and economic as well as civil and political human rights, with particular emphasis on equality and freedom from discrimination, gender equality and the right to self-determination Our Goals & Objectives are: -To achieve legal equality of LGBTIQ people -To have policies that refer to, and are inclusive of, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sexual characteristics -To bring about positive societal attitudes towards and the social inclusion of LGBTIQ people -To empower the LGBTIQ community to engage in social and political issues that are of direct concern -Provide support, assistance and information on LGBTIQ issues to LGBTI persons and their families To network with other organisations in achieving common goals -To make MGRM a sustainable organisation