Inside Kaktus: What Makes a Space Queer?
Kaktus is more than just a bar - it’s Malta’s only dedicated queer space. Tucked away in the heart of the island, it’s a safe haven, a stage, a mini dance floor, and a second home for the LGBTQ+ community. In a country with few spaces to truly be yourself, Kaktus stands tall as a symbol of pride, resistance, and radical joy.
5/23/20251 min read
I got introduced to Kaktus, I believe, in the winter time. It was introduced as a queer, good music and food place. The first time I went there, there weren’t many people. But I loved the vibe of the owner, Derya. She’s from Turkey, she’s a human rights activist, and she also used to help LGBT communities back in Turkey. And today, she has this bar Kaktus in the heart of tourist Malta - Sliema.
The place is a unique one. Because in Malta, there are not that many gay and queer places. And there is a difference between these two as well.
The place offers social shelter for many different types of people. From those who enjoy casual social drinking (coffee or alcoholic, as the place works from the morning) to those who like game nights or stitching events. The food is great there as well.
They organise different types of events, collaborate with sexual health organisations by providing information, education, HIV tests. The place is constantly focusing on human rights.
They are inviting people from many different cultures to discuss what’s happening globally – from the environment to economics or politics.
Kaktus is an important place because many creative and global people are coming to share ideas, inspire each other, and communicate.
Gay bars and places are usually more closed and more gender-oriented. Queer places are focused on integrity and being as you are, in a common, not private place.
The place was built with the help of the community. Derya herself did the renovations. She designed the whole place, which is now an important spot for different people in Malta.
