Katya Saunders

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Katya Saunders. Transgender icon Katya Saunders.png
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. [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 St.Julian's, where her photos are still displayed prominently. [7]

Her death 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]

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.