A Malta-based activist and artist has been honoured with a prestigious European award celebrating unsung heroes in the LGBTQ+ community.
Dali Aguerbi, a Tunisian artist and activist who has lived in Malta since 2018, received the PEUGEOT Attitude PRIDE Awards Europe 2025 for his work supporting queer migrants across Europe. The awards are supported by British Airways and organised by Attitude magazine, one of the UK and Europe’s most prominent LGBTQ+ publications.
Aguerbi left Tunisia due to his sexuality and his activism. He has since become a key figure within Malta’s LGBTQ+ advocacy scene, particularly in supporting migrants and asylum seekers.
He said being one of the 10 recipients was an “incredible” experience.
“It was a huge honour to be in that room with such incredible people around me. I couldn’t believe it,” he told Times of Malta following the ceremony.
Aguerbi has been a member of the Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) since his arrival and now serves as one of its co-coordinators.
“It was a little surreal because we have a collection of Attitude magazines at MGRM,” he said. “MGRM was the first NGO that opened its arms and supported me when I arrived in Malta.” Today, he is helping to offer similar support to others, particularly LGBTQ+ migrants and asylum seekers.
“We wanted to create a safe space for people to get the information and support they need,” he said.
Part of this work involves providing practical resources and guidance for those navigating the asylum process. Aguerbi and his team have developed a leaflet that outlines available support structures, including legal aid, food banks, and other vital services.
MGRM also hosts a social group of around 75 people, which meets every third Friday of the month.
Aguerbi’s activism began long before his arrival in Malta. At just 18, he became involved in Tunisia’s first LGBTQ+ NGO. However, in Tunisia, homosexuality remains illegal, and individuals found in violation risk imprisonment.
He recounted close encounters with the authorities, including an arrest after officials mistakenly assumed one of his art projects was extremist propaganda. Although charges were dropped, he later learned that the Tunisian authorities were building a new case against him due to his activism.
Aguerbi was in Malta at the time and, fearing for his safety, chose not to return. He began the asylum process from Malta. “As a refugee, I always say I am privileged,” he said, explaining that he was able to avoid being placed in one of Malta’s detention or open centres.
He also expressed a sense of duty that comes with his position. “Although it is a privilege to be in my position and to be surrounded by so many capable people who helped lead the way, there is a responsibility that comes with it,” he said.
During his acceptance speech at the Award Show on July 4, Aguerbi reflected on Malta’s reputation as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights.
“It is true that Malta is the first on the rainbow map, but I would say it is not for everyone. Not for people like me, not for refugees, not for asylum seekers and it is not for third country nationals,” he said.
Other recipients of the Attitude PRIDE Awards 2025 included Carla Antonelli, Spain’s first openly trans senator; the historic grassroots group Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners; and Caroline Paige MBE, the first openly transgender officer in the British Armed Forces.