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Katya Saunders

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Maltese transgender icon & activist
transgender-icon-katya-saunders
Katya Saunders.

Katya Saunders (10 April 1957 - 27 January, 2019) was a Maltese LGBTIQ+ icon who was one of the first openly transgender women and gay activists in Malta. She was also a well-known cabaret performer in clubs in Malta and London throughout the 1970s.

Saunders spent a portion of her life living in London and New York, where she became a known figure in fashion circles and is described as being the muse behind some of fashion designers Charles & Ron's collections.

Saunders is credited as being responsible for starting an LGBTIQ+ community in Malta and was closely associated with the City of London Bar in Sliema, where her photos are still displayed prominently.

Her passing was marked by tributes from members of the LGBTIQ+ community, who described her as a mentor and an inspirational figure for past and current gay activists. Her funeral was held at the Balluta Church, in Sliema, followed by a wake at the City of London Bar.

Saunders’ life is detailed in a biography titled Katya: Easy on the Tonic, written by journalist Ramona Depares and published by MGRM in 2022. The publication was accompanied by an exhibition at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta, showcasing her clothes and memorabilia, curated by Charlie Cauchi and Romeo Roxman Gatt.

References

  1. "Tribute to Katya Saunders, one of Malta's first openly trans personalities". MaltaToday.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  2. Malta, A. R. C. (2019-01-28). "Tribute to Katya Saunders - a Maltese LGBTQ+ icon". GayMalta.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  3. "About Katya". Katya Saunders. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  4. Cilia, Johnathan (2022-12-11). "The Fascinating Life Of 'Malta's First Openly Trans Woman' - Katya - Detailed In Brand New Book". Lovin Malta. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  5. "A tribute to Katya Saunders with C&R Milan collection". Times². 2023-09-26. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  6. "Kaka: Model who laid the foundations for gay scene". Times of Malta. 2019-02-03. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  7. "'The bar Katya was really at home': City of London celebrates upcoming book detailing LGBTIQ+ icon's life". whoswho.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  8. "Kaka: Model who laid the foundations for gay scene". Times of Malta. 2019-02-03. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  9. "Farewell to a transgender icon and cabaret artist - The Malta Independent". www.independent.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  10. "The glamorous Katya Saunders and her quiet acts of kindness". Times of Malta. 2022-12-22. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  11. "She said Darling With a "K": Reimagining Katya Saunders". Fondazzjoni Kreattività. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
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