Alexander Mangion Defends LGBTQ+ Education While Calling For Focus On Everyday Issues

Vice Mayor Alexander Mangion has weighed in on the debate sparked by former MEP Cyrus Engerer’s criticism of Conrad Borg Manché, arguing that discussions about LGBTQ+ equality should go hand in hand with addressing the everyday challenges faced by Maltese families.

In a statement shared on social media, Mangion said he felt compelled to respond after being mentioned by Engerer in his reaction to Borg Manché’s recent comments.

Mangion, who described himself as someone who has worked within the Nationalist Party on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community and as a transgender person who has experienced both progress and challenges firsthand, said he agreed with some of Borg Manché’s points while disagreeing with others.

Addressing concerns raised about educational material presented to children, Mangion said he does not believe schools are forcing children to accept particular identities.

“What I do see is education about the realities of the society we live in today,” he said. “Learning about people who are different from us does not change who we are; it helps us better understand the world around us.”

Mangion also reflected on the meaning of Pride, saying it is not simply a celebration but a reminder of those who fought for rights that many LGBTQ+ people enjoy today, as well as those who suffered for being themselves.

He argued that the Nationalist Party has made significant progress on LGBTQ+ issues in recent years, pointing to its electoral manifestos and what he described as a commitment to judging people based on their abilities, values and contribution to society rather than labels.

However, Mangion stressed that conversations about equality should not overshadow wider social and economic concerns.

“Poverty does not see sexual orientation or gender identity,” he said, noting that people across society continue to face challenges related to the cost of living, home ownership, mental health and building a secure future.

While reaffirming that LGBTQ+ issues remain close to his heart, Mangion said his focus is increasingly on addressing the broader realities affecting people’s daily lives.

“My politics are about people first, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or whom they love,” he concluded.

Mangion’s comments come after Engerer warned that remarks made by Conrad Borg Manché risked undermining years of work to modernise the PN’s position on LGBTQ+ rights, while also citing Mangion as one of the figures who helped shape the party’s recent commitments towards the community.

What do you make of the points made by Mangion?

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.