Malta has depathologised gender identity and access to transgender care does not require any diagnoses and is based on the principles of self-determination and informed consent.
Most (64%) of Trans persons in Malta reported becoming aware that their feelings about their gender did not match the gender they were assigned at birth before the age of 15 years. Another 18% realised this between the age of 15 to 17 years. and a further 11% between the ages of 18 and 24 (FRA, 2020).
Most (75%) underwent the first intervention to align their body with their gender identity between the ages of 15 and 34 years. 7% were younger than 14 years and 18% older than 35 years (FRA, 2020).
Not all trans persons need gender-affirming care.
Trans people should be well informed about the different options for treatment and support, and they should be free to decide what they need. After being informed about the concrete interventions (medical requirements and outcomes) by the corresponding specialist, the trans person should make an informed decision without any kind of requirement for a previous psychological or psychiatric assessment or diagnosis. Various aspects of transgender care are possible, the choice here is highly personal.
Trans persons can also achieve a more masculine, feminine or neutral appearance without major surgery or hormone therapy using various tools or techniques.
The transgender care path provides an overview of all possible steps in the transition process.
Photo: The Gender Spectrum Collection