The following is a speech from Nicky Calamaro at Gibraltar Pride 2023

Good afternoon, Gibraltar!

On behalf of Together Gibraltar want to thank the committee for inviting me to say a few words, to thank the volunteers giving up their time to make today so special, and to thank YOU all for coming down today. It's incredible to see everyone here, proudly showing their colours and expressing their support for our brilliant LGBTQ+ community. 

It’s been such a pleasure getting to know the committee over the last few years. In a short amount of time, they have accomplished so much for our beloved Rock.

In Gibraltar, we understand the power of diversity and how it strengthens us as a community. It’s been the driving force behind so much of our progress. And that diversity is on full display today. I’ve been asked, “Why do people need so many different flags when there’s already the rainbow one?”. Each of these flags represents an identity, a way of being human: just as valid as anyone else’s but which have unfortunately been marginalised. 

As Gibraltarians we know that our flag represents a whole people. A culture. A history. So too do each of these: they represent the bisexual community, the trans community, the gay and lesbian communities, the non-binary and asexual communities, and all the struggles they've overcome.

Flags, be it for a country or a group of people are a way of saying, "Hey, we're here, we exist, people like us exist, and we refuse to let you pretend that we don't”. This is so important because unfortunately there are some, even in our community, who don’t think our friends should exist. That’s why we come together and wave these flags, because we’re proud, or because we’re proud of the people we love. These flags let us show those who aren’t yet out that even if they are struggling or can’t be their true selves in public, that they have allies, and that they have people like them. 

And unfortunately, many are still struggling. Even today we have people here in Gibraltar being harassed or belittled for who they are. Some in our small community who can’t come out to their own families, who face discrimination at work, or in trying to find work. 

So beyond being here to celebrate our progress, I want to give a firm message that Together Gibraltar will do everything we can to keep marching forward so that everyone can feel safe living as their truest self.

The committee has chosen acceptance as the theme for this event, emphasising that it goes beyond mere tolerance. Acceptance means that we don’t just put each other in boxes and turn our heads, but that we see each other, understand and respect each other. Our differences aren’t something to be looked down upon but to be embraced and celebrated. Just like how Gibraltarians are proud of our shared heritage and all the different walks of life from which people came to our shores, we need to be proud of all the different voices in our community today, learn from their experiences and make sure we treat them with dignity and respect. 

Gay Gibraltarians, transgender Gibraltarians, non-binary Gibraltarians have always been a part of our community and a part of the story of Gibraltar.

While I’m here I need to make a quick note on behalf of Together Gibraltar. As some of you might be aware there’s been some recent changes within our party, but I want to assure you that won’t stop us fighting for your rights and well-being. We don't just want to ‘represent you’ we want to give you a seat at the table and make sure you have a say in the future of Gibraltar. 

There is still much work to be done and I hope we can do right by you: we’re going to keep fighting to ensure equality in the workplace and all our public services. To keep educating each other so that we can do better. To ensure there are clear pathways for treatment so you don’t need to ask favours just to get an appointment. To make sure that fringe groups who push conspiracy theories against you will never have a say in Gibraltar. 

But that’s for tomorrow. Today, let's come together. Let's show Gibraltar and let's show the world that we stand proud, we stand together, and we’re not going anywhere.