Felix Busuttil: ‘I’m Gozitan, gay and in a civil union. I support Joseph Muscat’

Gozitan dancer and founder of one of Malta’s leading dance companies, Felix Busuttil, has urged the electorate to vote for the Labour movement in a powerful address that left thousands gathered in Naxxar stunned.

Addressing supporters ahead of Labour leader Joseph Muscat’s speech, Busuttil delivered a heartfelt message explaining how voting for the Labour government had changed his life.

“I’m Gozitan. I’m gay and in a civil union. I will soon get married. I stand behind Joseph,” Busuttil said.

Busuttil said that the introduction of the civil unions, and now Labour’s pledge to make marriage equal for all, had made him realize that his would no longer be invisible.

“Am I going to wear a ring after 20 years? Is it possible that I can now adopt a child? We are proud of this movement, and so will be the future generations. I love Malta and am proud to say I’m Maltese because I am respected.”

Busuttil recounted how when travelling to Italy, the security at the airport’s check-in had been surprised to see that Busuttil and his partner shared the same surname.

“We replied yes, because we can and her comment was how lucky we were,” he said, adding that the woman had described Italy as “a pre-historic country”.

Reminding how the Labour movement had come through for the LGBTI community, Busuttil said people could now stop hiding themselves.

“Where no one sends a suicide letter to his mother,” he added.

Busuttil said that Joseph Muscat may have not been supported by everyone when he pledged the introduction of civil unions but he still believed in justice.

As the Muscat couples battles allegations of owning a secretive company in Panama, Busuttil said that “Joseph and Michelle had to grow a thick skin”.

“And I cannot but be as courageous as they are. I’ve always risked and will continue to do so, to fight for my love. Don’t be scared of being who you are. Don’t hold back from expressing your beliefs… just like Michelle Obama said: ‘When they go low, we go high’.”

Concluding his address, Busuttil said that he believed in the Labour movement because he believed in Maltese and Gozitans.

“We will celebrate in positivity; we will celebrate in moving forward. We will be hand-in-hand with Joseph. This is the moment of truth where love will win all. This is the best time of my life.”