Date: 02 July 2018

GiG (Gaming Innovation Group) will be the main partners of Malta Pride this year, Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC), the organisers of Pride have announced. A week-long celebration with different activities will take place between 9-16 September 2018 with the main Parade and open air free concert to take place on Saturday 15 September. The theme of Pride this year will be ‘Pride in the heart of the Mediterranean’.

GIG is a fast-growing tech company with over 450 employees based in Malta but also located in Spain, Norway, Denmark and Gibraltar totalling over 700 employees. Earlier this year, their ultra hip offices by St. George’s Bay were inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat.

Mikael Ångman, Chief Operations Officer of GiG said: "We are proud to be the headline supporters of Malta Pride, an event we believe to be a highlight in Malta’s calendar! GiG’s vision is to change the iGaming industry to make it fair and fun for all. A huge part of that is to have a diverse workforce and provide an atmosphere where everyone can be the best version of themselves, no matter their background or sexual orientation. We want to encourage everyone to be able to be who they are without fear.”

ARC is a voluntary organisation dedicated to support the LGBTIQ community in Malta by organising monthly events, campaigning for better sexual health, collaborating with rainbow-friendly businesses and co-ordinating Malta Pride.

“Studies are showing that countries that support LGBTIQ rights are better off in economic development and social wellbeing. We are witnessing this in Malta as well and we are finding a lot of positive collaboration with the business and civic communities”- Clayton Mercieca, the co-ordinator of this year’s Malta Pride said. “We are also aware however that negative attitudes and stigma still persist and an event like Pride is an occasion to bring different minorities together in support of each other and give courage to people who are still too afraid to live their truth. To have such a major employer like GIG supporting Pride gives us a lot of encouragement to make each year’s Pride a better one than before – not just for the fanfare and glamour that is fun for all the family, but because there is a lot of isolation in our small islands that makes it very hard for minorities like the LGBTIQ community to integrate”.

Following a record turnout participation last year, ARC has initiated its intent to host an International Pride event in five years time and has become a member of the European Association of Pride Organisers.

Several local artists will be performing for the crowds at the open air concert which will be held after the parade in Valletta. In addition, the italian Drag duo Karma B. will be entertaining the crowds with their spectacular acts. More information will be available on www.maltapride.org

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For more information please contact:

Clayton Mercieca, Community Manager

Mob: 79091984

Email: info@arc.org.mt

Natasha Gowans

Head of Communications, GiG

pr@gig.com

#pressrelease #MaltaPride #sponsor