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]
- ^ "Tribute to Katya Saunders, one of Malta's first openly trans personalities". MaltaToday.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ Malta, A. R. C. (2019-01-28). "Tribute to Katya Saunders - a Maltese LGBTQ+ icon". GayMalta.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ "About Katya". Katya Saunders. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "A tribute to Katya Saunders with C&R Milan collection". Times². 2023-09-26. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ "Kaka: Model who laid the foundations for gay scene". Times of Malta. 2019-02-03. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ "'The bar Katya was really at home': City of London celebrates upcoming book detailing LGBTIQ+ icon's life". whoswho.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ "Kaka: Model who laid the foundations for gay scene". Times of Malta. 2019-02-03. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ "Farewell to a transgender icon and cabaret artist - The Malta Independent". www.independent.com.mt. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ "The glamorous Katya Saunders and her quiet acts of kindness". Times of Malta. 2022-12-22. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ^ "She said Darling With a "K": Reimagining Katya Saunders". Fondazzjoni Kreattività. Retrieved 2024-11-20.