Katya Saunders Explained

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.[1] She was also a well-known cabaret performer in clubs in Malta and London throughout the 1970s.[2]

Saunders spent a portion of her life living in London and New York, where she became a known figure in fashion circles[3] and is described as being the muse behind some of fashion designers Charles & Ron's collections.[4] [5]

Saunders is credited as being responsible for starting an LGBTIQ+ community in Malta[6] and was closely associated with the City of London Bar in Sliema, where her photos are still displayed prominently.[7]

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.[8] Her funeral was held at the Balluta Church, in Sliema, followed by a wake at the City of London Bar. [9]

Saunders’ life is detailed in a biography titled Katya: Easy on the Tonic, written by journalist Ramona Depares and published by MGRM in 2022.[10] 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.[11]

Notes and References

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

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