The Ministry of Equality recently hosted their Pride Month event ‘PRIDE: Authenticity, Courage and Community’ at the Sunborn Hotel.

A statement from Government follows below:

The Ministry of Equality successfully hosted its Pride Month event, "PRIDE: Authenticity, Courage and Community", at the Sunborn Hotel on Thursday evening, bringing together members of the public, representatives from the public and private sectors, community organisations and equality advocates for an evening of reflection, discussion and shared experiences. 

The event formed part of the Ministry's programme of activities marking Pride Month and explored themes of identity, inclusion, belonging and the importance of fostering communities built on respect and acceptance. 

Attendees heard a keynote address from Rico Chace, a human rights consultant, social entrepreneur and award-winning creative whose work focuses on LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice and social impact. 

The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by broadcaster and journalist, James Neish. The panellists were Andrew Gonzalez, Senior People and Culture Director at Playtech, and Katie Muldoon, whose advocacy and campaigning helped advance legal recognition and protections for same-sex families in Gibraltar. 

Together with Rico Chace, they explored the challenges and opportunities facing LGBTQ+ communities today. The discussion encouraged meaningful dialogue on representation, visibility, allyship and the role that communities, workplaces and institutions can play in advancing equality and inclusion. 

The Ministry of Equality would like all the contributors as well as everyone who attended and participated in the event. Their willingness to share experiences and perspectives helped create an engaging and welcoming space for conversation and learning. 

A Ministry for Equality spokesperson said, “Pride Month is not only a celebration of diversity but also an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect on the experiences of others. 

“The conversations that took place demonstrated the value of creating spaces where people can share their stories, challenge assumptions and build greater understanding. Events such as these help strengthen our collective commitment to equality, dignity and respect for all members of our community. 

“Whilst Gibraltar has made significant progress in advancing equality and LGBTQ+ rights, it remains important that we continue to promote dialogue, visibility and inclusion. The Ministry remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster understanding and celebrate the diversity that enriches our community."