Since the subject of birth-rates is currently topical, this may be a good time to publish this article. In 1994, a small local group of civil-rights activists called Żgħażagħ taħt l-Art (ŻTA) published a booklet with the title No Sex, please: We’re Maltese. The small book contains several chapters about the state of Malta’s censorship and taboo about sexuality, written with a satirical style and adorned with caricatures by Steve Bonello. The book also contains facts, statistics, and observations about sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases, making it a valuable historical snapshot of Maltese sexuality at the time.
It’s hard to describe this to the young generations of today, but ŻTA was the most radical group because it was the only independent group actively lobbying for civil rights such as censorship and divorce, which back then were extremely controversial due to the overwhelming influence of the Church. Their activities and protests scandalised the general public. One of their most controversial acts was to lift a banner in the air with balloons over Pope John Paul II as he travelled across the Grand Harbour with the ferry. They were considered to be even more radical than today’s Moviment Graffitti and basically were the textbook stereotype of a group by “erba’ qtates”. Mainstream politicians made sure not to be associated with them, but ŻTA members found refugee in Alternattiva Demokratika and the bond was organic. Peppi Azzopardi was just one of the various members of ŻTA who helped found Alternattiva Demokratika.
The booklet is a collective effort by unknown writers and artists; probably also by young researchers or academics, yet and surely, a low-budget initiative executed with many limitations. However, it’s also a reminder of the beauty of publishing and how much can be achieved if a group of different and talented individuals come together to create a book. Books remain one of the most effective mediums for blending art and documentation, creating intriguing educational and documentary works that are also artistic and literary.
The content is well-written, and while delving into the fictional Kappillan and his conservative antics, the authors spare no one in Maltese society as they expose its inhibitions. Even Maltese authors and literary writers are not spared as they are accused of respecting society’s norms and taboos by avoiding themes related to sexuality. It’s hilarious to read from start to finish as the reader embarks on a journey with the authors to avoid Maltese censorship, leading them to places like il-Monti where an illegal and latest copy of the Playboy can be found.
Hundreds of copies were printed but distributing it was extremely difficult because no outlet wanted to sell it. Copies of it remain at the old office of the Partit Kommunista Malta on Strait Street, Valletta: a location where many activist groups used to meet before Remiġ Farrugia passed away, leaving 60A as a center for radical groups (now used by Moviment Graffitti). Back then ŻTA was Malta’s most radical group.
Today, none of what’s in it is actually controversial. The book exists as a historical artefact: a lost gem of naughty Maltese literature, and a testament to how much times and society have changed.
Website Editor
Historian and Publisher
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