For twenty years we have also been vigilant against homotransbiphobia in Malta

Reflections by Tyrone Grima, published on the GNRC Blog Europe of the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics – GNRC website* June 4, 2026. Freely translated by the volunteers of the Gionata Project.

The prayer vigils for overcoming homotransbiphobia, or as they are more often called in Malta, the celebrations for IDAHOT (International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia), have been held in our islands for almost twenty years now.

Drachma, the association of LGBTQ+ Christians in Malta which works to bring sexuality and spirituality into dialogue and to build bridges with the Catholic church, has always given great importance to this event, which traditionally takes place on 17 May, or in any case in the days close to that date.

Even though, over the years, I have sometimes not been able to be there, I carry within me many precious moments linked to this annual event. As the "oldest" member of the group, not so much in terms of age, although I'm getting there now, but through years of participation, I realize that every time, whatever the form chosen to experience this meeting, two fundamental dimensions come to the surface.

The sense of community

IDAHOT is one of those moments in which the community comes together and, in an atmosphere of meditation, is able to say something profound about itself: sometimes through a Mass, other times with a prayer meeting, still others with a spiritual journey.

During the year Drachma organizes various events designed to preserve and grow this sense of community. But IDAHOT has something special: it is one of those moments in which belonging expands, reaching even people who perhaps do not usually participate in the life of the group, and allows everyone to feel part of a bigger story.

Thus the bond between the two branches of Drachma, that of lGBTQ+ People and that of catholic parents with lGBTQ+ Children, becomes a concrete testimony of Love. a love that does not remain closed within the group, but opens up, becomes visible, and even embraces the rest of the community.

Social justice

IDAHOT is also a time when we, as a community, remember that even though important and progressive laws have been passed in our country, many LGBTQ+ people continue to suffer today.

This is why this day is not just a celebration. It is also a reminder. An invitation not to forget those who still live in fear, those who see their fundamental rights denied, those who are forced to hide or defend themselves just to be able to be themselves.

Every year, coming together in prayer also means renewing our commitment so that the dignity of every person is truly recognized, not only in laws, but in concrete life, in families, in communities, in churches, in the glances we encounter.

This year we celebrated IDAHOT il May 16th in university chapel, entrusted to the Jesuits. The Saturday evening Mass, celebrated every week in the chapel by Father Patrick Magro, was dedicated in particular to LGBTQ+ people, inviting the assembly to pray for the overcoming of homotransphobia.

The celebration opened with a brief introduction by Louisa Grech, coordinator of Catholic parents with LGBTQ+ children from Drachma, while some people from our group proclaimed the liturgical readings.

Instead of the usual homily, Chris Vella, current coordinator of Drachma LGBTIQ+, and one of the parents, Paul Mifsud, shared their reflections.

It was a truly touching moment to see the closeness of the assembly. Many people, after the Mass, remained to continue to dialogue with the people of Drachma. And it is precisely moments like these that make our faces and souls smile, because they remind us that, despite everything, there is still hope. There is still treatment. There is still love. There is still the possibility of walking together.

*Tyrone Grima is the founder of Drachma, a Catholic LGBTQ+ reality born in Malta. He is a lecturer in Performing Arts at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). His research interests include community theatre, spirituality, LGBTQIA+ experiences and queer theory. He obtained a doctorate from the University of Malta with research on Simone Weil. (Source: LGBTQ Religious Archives Network; HELA – A directory of Maltese writers)

**The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC) is an international network of Catholic LGBTQ+ groups committed to the inclusion, dignity and justice of LGBTQ+ people in the Catholic Church and society.

Original text: Faith, rights and Spirit – The Vigil Prayers in Malta