Relocating to Gozo? Got Queries?

Whether you are locally based, actively planning your move to Malta and Gozo, or thinking about relocating to our island, you might have some queries about LGBTQIA+ realities here on the Maltese islands. Malta has topped the ILGA Rainbow Index for a whopping 10 years in a row, but apart from exceptionally progressive laws there are also numerous resources, services, and organisations that can help you along the way. We have collected some commonly asked questions about life on the Maltese islands, accessing community, health, and legal support, and much more. 

 Orientation & Community Support (Gozo/Malta)

             1.        Where can I find an LGBTQI+ friendly support center on Gozo?

 LGBTI+ Gozo is the only queer organisation on Malta’s sister island. Apart from monthly social events, we also have a free counselling service, access to sexual health and gender affirmation products, a registry of queer-friendly professionals, and other services for community building and support. In Malta, organisations like MGRM, Allied rainbow communities - ARC, Drachma LGBTI, Drachma Parents, and the LGBTIQ Wellbeing Service are available to support queer people living on the island. 

             2.        Who can help me change my legal gender, name, or ID documents?

In Malta, the Gender Identity, Gender Expressions, and Sex Characteristics Act establishes legal recognition of the X gender marker, without proof of surgical procedure, hormone therapies, or psychiatric treatment. Changing your legal name and gender on your identification documents is relatively straightforward. For persons 16+, you simply need to visit a notary with your current documentation, include ID cards and birth certificate, and sign the necessary paperwork. The Public Registry will then authorize the changes to your birth certificate, which allows you to change your name and gender marker on other identity documents. Once you are settled with the Public Registry, you can apply for new documents through Identità Malta (the national ID agency).

LGBTI+ Gozo has queer-friendly notaries on our registry, so check them out here to start the process. 

             3.        How do I get access to the Gender Wellbeing Clinic (GWC) in Malta?

 The Gender Wellbeing Clinic is a one-stop-shop for accessing gender-affirming care. Services include: psycho-social and family support, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Endocrinology, Voice Therapy, Gynecological Support, and more. To access GWC, you will need a referral from your local GP, psychologist, counsellor or social worker. You can also fill in the Gender Wellbeing Clinic referral form​ online. If you need a referral to such practitioners, contact MGRM or visit LGBTI+ Gozo’s Queer Friendly Professionals page. There is currently no GWC in Gozo. However, LGBTI+ gozo offers free gender-affirmation products such as chest binders, packers and harnesses, and tucking bottoms, which can be picked up at our office. 

             4.        Are there LGBTQ-friendly doctors or therapists on Gozo?

 Yes! We have a number of LGBTQIA+ friendly practitioners on our registry. LGBTI+ Gozo also offers a free counselling service to members and their families, provided by trainee counsellors. Inquire into our services by contacting serviceslgbtigozo@gmail.com or contacting us via Whatsapp at 99356622. Sessions can take place at our office, at the Voluntary Centre in Xewkija, or online. If you are based in Malta, we can also see clients at Ronald McDonald House of Charities in Saint Paul’s Bay. In Malta, you can contact Rainbow Support Service or the LGBTIQ+ Wellbeing service for support. 

             5.        How can I meet other trans or non-binary people on Gozo?

 LGBTI+ Gozo runs bi-monthly social events in Gozo, which are great opportunities to meet new friends, connect with others, and share experiences. You can keep track of our events by visiting our social media pages or by becoming a member. Membership is free and you will receive our monthly newsletter and members updates with regular information about our events. MGRM and ARC also hold events throughout the month for queer people. 

 Health & Trans-specific Medical Support

             6.        Where can I get hormones (HRT) started or continued?

 Hormone Replacement Therapy can be accessed privately with a prescription from your GP, psychiatrist, or endocrinologist against cost. The GWC also offers HRT for free. 

7. How can I access sexual health testing in Gozo? 

 At the Gozo General Hospital, a GU clinic operates bi-monthly and is run by one of our queer friendly professionals. Here you can have access to a full range of STI testing if you are displaying symptoms. If you are asymptomatic or want routine testing, this can be accessed at the Victoria Health Centre. Checkpoint Malta also runs free HIV, syphillis, HEP B and HEP C testing in Malta and Gozo. Results are given in just 20 minutes from trained volunteers. They can be reached at testing@checkpoint.mt. LGBTI+ Gozo also distributes free condoms and sexual health information.  

             8.        What if I feel anxious about going to a doctor or clinic?

Feeling anxious about medical visits is completely normal! LGBTI+ Gozo can guide you to queer-friendly, and non discriminatory practitioners that guarantee a holistic and empathic service. You can also bring a friend, family, or advocate to attend the visit with you.  

             9.     I need more info about medical steps towards gender-affirmation care, where they are available, and how they work! 

 Not to fear! There is loads of information and services available. MGRM has detailed info guides online and offers 1:1 support in English. You can also contact the GWC directly for information. 

 Legal Rights & Documentation

            10.     As an LGBTQIA+ person, what are my rights in Malta and Gozo. 

Malta has some of the best legislation in the world for queer people. Laws include: 

• Employment non-discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation (Article 45 of the Constitution of Malta; Article 26 of the EIRA Act; Article 2 (3A) of the Equality for Men and Women Act)

• Hate Crime and Hate Speech (Article 82A of the Criminal Code)

• Civil Union and Same-Sex Marriage (Article 11 (1) of the Marriage Act)

• Cohabitation Rights 

• Adoption by LGBTQIA+ Individuals and Couples 

• IVF Access 

• Gender Recognition and Intersex Protection 

• Complete ban on Conversion therapy (Article 3 of the GIGESC Act, Chapter 567)

• Name change and X gender marker (Article 4 (1) of the GIGESC Act, Chapter 540)

• Blood Donation for MSM 

It is important to know the law and know your rights. Maltese law protects all persons, even those without permanent residency. 

11. What if I am misgendered, treated unfairly, discriminated against, threatened, or physically or emotionally harmed because of my sexual orientation or gender identity?

 If your rights have been infringed upon, you have a right to file a report and access support. Direct contact can be made through Victim Support Agency if you feel you have been the victim of a crime. You can also report the incident to MGRM or LGBTI+ Gozo — we can guide you or file a complaint with you. LGBTI+ Gozo also acts as an advocate in court and can come with you during your court appearance for support. You can also contact aditus foundation for legal advice or access our registry for queer-friendly lawyers. 

 Urgent Help & Emotional Support

             12.     Is there a helpline or live chat for LGBTQ+ support in Malta?

 In Malta, there are many helplines available for round the clock support. 

kellimni.comAvailable 24/7. Run by SOS Malta.

OLLI chatAvailable Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm, and Saturday between 8am and 4pm. Run by Richmond Foundation.

Freephone 179 (National Helpline). Available 24/7.

Freephone 1579: Available 24/7. Run by the Ministry of Health.

Freephone 1770: Available Monday to Friday between 8am and 8pm, and Saturday between 8am and 4pm. Run by Richmond Foundation.

If in Gozo, you can call LGBTI+ Gozo’s counselling services on +356 9935 6622, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Please note that we are not a crisis hotline. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact 112 directly 

MGRM: +356 99255559

Rainbow Support Service: +256 79430006