Maltese Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex, Sexuality and Gender
In November 2021, the SOGIGESC Unit in collaboration with the Institute for the Public Service (IPS) launched a set of Guidelines to be used within the public sector on the recognition of sex, sexuality, and gender. This document will be followed by training delivered through the IPS to public sector employees.
The guidelines can be accessed below:
Blood Donation
The National Blood Transfusion Service within the National Health Service adopted an improved screening system which greatly diminishes the window period during which newly contracted viruses may go undetected. As of September 2019, the blood donor policy for men who have sex with men was revised from a lifetime to a one year deferral.
EU Roadmap to Advance LGBTIQ Equality
The SOGIGESC Unit worked with Malta’s Permanent Representation in Brussels to garner support for a non-paper advocating for an EU roadmap to advance LGBTI equality. This garnered the support of 19 member states and was presented on the 6th of December 2018.
The
EU strategy for LGBTIQ equality spearheaded by European Commissioner for Equality, Hon. Helena Dalli was launched in November 2020. Following the launch of the strategy, the European Commission set up an LGBTI sub-group under the High Level Group on Non-Discrimination, Equality and Diversity tasked with supporting the adoption of national strategies and action plans. The SOGIGESC Unit represents Malta on this sub-group.
Gozo Region
As part of the
TRANSFORM Project, training to family doctors, accident and emergency staff, reception staff and office clerks, all of whom work in the health sector were trained on the specific needs of LGBTIQ patients. Training on terminology to be used and information on the services of the Gender Wellbeing Clinic were also provided.
Following consultation with civil society in Gozo, the Unit launched a month-long visibility campaign involving positive representations of the LGBTIQ community using bus adverts. This campaign was launched in May, 2021 as part of the Government’s efforts in recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia. This was done and endorsed by the Ministry for Gozo and LGBTI+ Gozo.
A GU Clinic service was introduced in Gozo in May 2021 through a collaboration between the GU Clinic and Steward Health Care in Gozo. The service is currently provided on a monthly basis.
During Pride Week 2021, the Minister for Gozo announced the allocation of a premises that will serve as a base for LGBTI+ Gozo, named Qawsalla Hub.
Sensitisation training on LGBTIQ issues was provided by the SOGIGESC Unit to a number of officials from the Ministry for Gozo.
Outreach to Vulnerable LGBTIQ Job Seekers
Older LGBTIQ Persons
During 2019, discussions with the Department for Active Aging and Community Care, led to two training sessions with employees in managerial positions. The sessions dealt with the adoption of inclusive practices relating to LGBTIQ older persons accessing day and residential services provided by the Department.
The success of these sessions led to communication with St Vincent de Paule Residence and the private sector. Various private residences for the elderly run by Care Malta have undertaken training which was attended by both management and staff, while sessions at St Vincent de Paule had to be indefinitely postponed following the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.