Our 2025 Malta Forum
Discover how 200+ maritime professionals gathered in Malta to strengthen the global LGBTQI+ maritime community…
The Movement Grows in Malta!
Two years after Panama's historic first forum, the I Exist Too movement returned stronger, larger, and more determined than ever. In May 2025, over 200 maritime professionals from 30+ countries gathered in Valletta, Malta for two days that transformed LGBTQI+ inclusion from conversation into concrete action. This wasn't just a conference. It was a declaration that the maritime industry is ready to change, and we're leading the way.
Our 2025 Panels: Two Days that Changed the Conversation
DAY 1
Fostering DEI: Student Insights on Maritime Education & Training
This panel reflects on the outcomes and impact of the I Exist Too 2023 Forum. Panellists will evaluate the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the 2023 event, assessing how its initiatives and discussions have influenced policy, practice, and advocacy within the maritime and related industries. The session will offer a critical reflection on progress made and areas for continued focus.
Navigating Identity: LGBTQ+ Experiences in the Maritime Industry
This panel explores the unique challenges and experiences of LGBTQ + individuals within the maritime industry. It will highlight the intersection of personal identity and professional life, addressing issues of visibility, inclusivity, and discrimination in maritime workplaces. Panellists will discuss strategies for fostering an inclusive environment that allows LGBTQ + individuals to thrive professionally while navigating the complexities of their identities.
Navigating Inclusivity: Maritime Academies & Universities Forging Paths to Diversity & Inclusion
This panel explores the role of maritime academies and universities in fostering inclusion within the maritime sector. Experts will discuss strategies for integrating inclusive practices into education and training, examining how academic institutions are addressing sexual orientation, gender, race, and other groups in maritime disciplines. Through insights into policy changes, curriculum reforms, and innovative programmes, the panel aims to highlight how educational institutions can create more equitable and inclusive environments for future maritime professionals.
Unity in Diversity: Fostering inclusion across maritime minorities.
This panel highlights the power of community, emphasizing that inclusion extends well beyond a single group. By embracing diverse identities-spanning ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more-we strenghten the maritime sector. Speakers will discuss how inclusive practices and collective engagement fuel resilience, innovation, and mutual respect, ultimately benefiting all.
Anchoring Well-being: Prioritising mental health in maritime work
This panel highlights the power of community, emphasizing that inclusion extends well beyond a single group. By embracing diverse identities-spanning ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and more-we strenghten the maritime sector. Speakers will discuss how inclusive practices and collective engagement fuel resilience, innovation, and mutual respect, ultimately benefiting all.
Strengthening Regulations: Enhancing LGBTQ+ protection in maritime conventions
This panel examines the role of international maritime conventions in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Panellists will analyse the existing legal frameworks and identify gaps in current regulations that fail to adequately address LGBTQ+ issues. The discussion will centre on proposals for improving maritime policies and regulations to ensure better protection and inclusion for LGBTQ+ workers in global maritime operations.
DAY 2
Safeguarding LGBTQ+ professionals: The role of maritime authorities.
This panel examines the critical role of maritime governmental bodies in safeguarding LGBTQ+ professionals within the industry. Experts will discuss how policies, regulations, and frameworks can promote a safer, more inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. The panel will explore current challenges faced by LGBTQ+ professionals at sea, and how governmental organisations can take actionable steps to enforce protections, ensure equal treatment, and address discrimination.
Casting a Wider Net: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the fishing sector
This panel will delve into the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the fishing sector, which is often overlooked in DEI conversations. Panellists will discuss the unique challenges faced by individuals in this sector, where traditional gender roles and workplace cultures may present additional barriers. The session will focus on strategies to promote inclusive practices and enhance DEI within the fishing industry.
Union Advocacy: Protecting LGBTQ+ professionals' rights in the maritime industry
This panel addresses the role of maritime unions in advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ professionals. By examining case studies and successful initiatives, panellists will explore how unions can influence policy, offer support, and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ workers. The discussion will also consider strategies for unions to engage more effectively in promoting workplace equality and protecting the rights of marginalised groups in the maritime sector.
Beyond the Surface: Exploring politics, sexualities, and masculinities in the maritime sector
This panel examines the social and cultural dimensions beneath maritime work. By analysing political structures, sexualities, history, and masculine norms at sea, we illuminate the forces shaping maritime professionals’ experiences. Experts will discuss how to address these underlying influences to foster equitable and respectful workplaces.
Implementing DEI Policies: Turning policy into action in maritime organisations
This panel delves into the practical challenges and strategies of implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies within maritime organisations. Experts will explore how organisations navigate the complexities of policy implementation across multinational settings, ensuring that DEI initiatives are more than just corporate rhetoric. Panelists will provide insights on how to move from policy to action, ensuring that DEI principles lead to meaningful outcomes in the maritime industry.
Reflecting on Progress: Assessing the Impact of I Exist Too 2023
This panel reflects on the outcomes and impact of the I Exist Too 2023 Forum. Panellists will evaluate the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the 2023 event, assessing how its initiatives and discussions have influenced policy, practice, and advocacy within the maritime and related industries. The session will offer a critical reflection on the progress made and areas that require continued focus.
The objective is therefore to assess the effectiveness of the I Exist Too 2023 Forum in driving positive change within the maritime industry and to discuss how future iterations can build upon its successes.
Forum Gallery
Take a glimpse into the conversations, connections, and collaborations that shaped the first I Exist Too Forum. From discussion to action, these moments mark the beginning of meaningful change within the maritime community.
Click on any photo to view and navigate through the gallery.
Maritime Minds Benches
Fostering Mental Health and Inclusion in the Maritime Sector
The maritime industry plays a vital role in connecting the world, yet the well-being of those within it is often overlooked. Maritime Minds Benches is an initiative designed to promote mental health awareness and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for maritime professionals.
At its core, the project seeks to encourage open dialogue around mental health by providing safe, visible spaces for conversation and reflection. These benches serve as physical and symbolic reminders that no one should face challenges alone. By fostering empathy, compassion, and understanding, the initiative aims to reduce stigma and empower individuals to speak openly about their experiences.
Through collaboration with maritime organisations, mental health professionals, and community partners, Maritime Minds Benches works to embed a culture of care, respect, and inclusion across the sector. The initiative also embraces sustainability by exploring the use of ocean-sourced and environmentally responsible materials in the construction of the benches.
By combining awareness, accessibility, and community engagement, Maritime Minds Benches contributes to building a more resilient maritime workforce — one where every individual feels supported, valued, and heard.
Meet Our 2025 Supporters!
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Antwerp Maritime Academy
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Costa Cruises
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The City University of New York
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European Maritime Safety Agency
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European Transport Worker's Federation
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International Maritime Law Institute
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International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network
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Liverpool John Moores University
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Lloyd's Register
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Malta Ship Registry
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Morgan & Morgan
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MF Shipping Group
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NeurodiversAtSea.org
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Norwegian Seafarer's Union
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Orkney Fisheries Association
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Royal Holloway University
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The Seafarers' Charity
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Swedish Maritime Administration
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Titu Maiorescu University
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Polytechnic University of Catalonia
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TK Foundation
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World Maritime University
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Food and Agriculture Organization
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University of Oviedo
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Hapag-Lloyd
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NorthStandard
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Maritime MT
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Isle of Man Ship Registry
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Newcastle University
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International Chamber of Shipping
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Maritime UK
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Comité Subregional LBGTIQA+
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White Ribbon
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ITF Seafarers' Trust
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Betz Law
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Stella Maris
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Seaman Solutions
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Nationale Nautische Verkeersdienst Opleiding
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European Cooperation in Science and Technology
Be Part of the Movement!
From Panama to Malta to Bangkok, the I Exist Too movement is building a more inclusive maritime industry, one forum, one policy, one person at a time.
Support us and Donate!
The maritime industry has been silent on LGBTQI+ issues for too long, its time for you to break that silence. Support our forums, programs, initiatives, and advocacy work that's changing the industry from within.
Join our Bangkok Forum in 2027!
The future of the maritime industry depends on collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. Join our Bangkok 2027 Forum to connect with global leaders and help shape a more diverse and progressive industry.
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