Employment accessibility for transgender women in Malta

Abstract

Focusing on Maltese transgender women, the aim of this qualitative research study is to investigate the accessibility to and maintenance of employment for this marginalised group in the context of comparison to the progressive equality laws in Malta. The purpose was to explore the difficulties, if any, affecting these women's employability through their lived experiences. To achieve the intent of this study, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with local transgender female participants, who have had employment experiences in Malta. The data collected was analysed using the Thematic Analysis approach (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Through the research conducted, three main factors emerged as potential causes for the barriers faced by transgender women in Malta when attempting to attain employment and progress within an organisation. These are; 1) Discrimination and transphobia 2) The divide between law and culture and, 3) Lack of education and knowledge. The research further elaborates that although an improvement has been noticed since the GIGESC law was passed in 2015, which at its core is aimed at safeguarding transgender people's rights and dignity, there is much still needed before law and culture are in unity when it comes to the equal treatment of this marginalised group of women in Malta.