Transgender in Malta : victims of discrimination or hate crime?

Abstract

Members of minority groups in Malta are nowadays striving to raise their voice and make society aware of their needs. This research shows that the transgender community in Malta is most of the time forgotten by our legislations leaving them unprotected and risking various types of victimisation. Hate crimes and discrimination cases against transgender people are rarely heard. This dissertation will focus on personal experiences transgender people went through their lives and the victimisation of discrimination or hate crimes. The findings suggest that there is variability in the levels of victimisation amongst transgender persons. Discrimination and hate crimes incidents were reported by the participants in various forms and quantity. Motives of these actions are discussed following the realistic conflict theory. This dissertation will help to outline a number of legislative reforms which will eliminate further discriminatory acts and give the merited justice to these people.