Lollipop is a smash hit of a club night with a dedicated following which started off as a niche safe space for the LGBTIQ+ community and has quickly spread to include friends and allies. And we can see why! Offering something completely different to the Paceville scene which has sadly seen the loss of some of its most beloved bars, Lollipop is a swirl of pop music, glitter and sequins, not to mention the odd leather body-harness...
We caught up with Lollipop's founders, famed photographer Kris Micallef and DJ It-Boy Keith St John to talk Pride and partying in Malta. Here's what they had to share with Guide Me Malta.
Hi guys! Tell us, how did your club night, Lollipop, come about?
"Kris and I have known each other for many many years and every time we travelled together we always wondered why there wasn’t anything like the LGBTIQ club nights abroad back home. After toying with the idea, we decided to go for it three years ago – and we haven’t looked back since."
Great stuff! Were there any legendary LGBTIQ clubs in Malta that you know of?
"What we remember are Pips, Klozet and Chandelier. In relation to gay-centric nightlight history, the late 80’s and 90’s were absolutely bonkers from what we've heard. With clubs like Natasha’s and Why Not at their peak, it was definitely a mad time to be around and part of the LGBTIQ community."
Where do you host your nights and where have you hosted them in the past?
"It depends...We started off at AXM, then moved to Tigullio, Aria, Konnekt, Sky and even Treehaus in UNO Village."
Bigtime! Do you think there is still harassment towards the community in Malta?
"Definitely! There’s still a lot of harassment towards anyone who doesn’t fit in the MAN / WOMAN mould. Anyone who’s flamboyant, non-binary, trans or even just slightly more fashion forward gets at least harassed once on a night out."
Wow. That's something to think about...What measures could Malta take to combat this?
"Early education, but sometimes I feel it’s too late, so my advice would be for the LGBTIQ community to keep living their best life an try and ignore this ignorance. Love yourself!"
Would you like to see more specifically LGBTIQ-aimed nightlife in Malta?
"Definitely!"
What are your plans for Pride?
"Lollipop on Friday 13th! We’re also part of the parade on Saturday."
We look forward to it! Is Pride still important today?
"YES! 100%! Pride is first and foremost a protest. It’s a protest against anyone who wants to erase our existence. It’s a protest against countries who still oppress LGBTIQ people. It’s also a celebration of diversity, showing people who are still in the closet that’s it’s ok to be different."
Why is Lollipop important, in your opinion?
"Lollipop has become a safe space for a lot of queer and trans kids who can go out, have fun and feel safe! So yes, I believe we did make a change and make an impact in the LGBTIQ scene."
We agree. Is Lollipop more than just a club night?
"Yes. It’s our baby. It has also become a community in it’s own way!"
Thank you for taking the time to speak to us, enjoy Malta Pride and keep up the stellar work!