The Maltese government has released an official dictionary of terms pertaining to the LGBTIQ+ community in order to aid better media reporting on such matters.

Spearheaded by Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg, the dictionary is offered in both Maltese and English, bridging the gap between the various terms and definitions which were previously unknown to many in Maltese. 

‘The decision to use one word or another in reporting about LGBTIQ+ persons can make a big difference between a sentiment of unity or a culture of prejudice’ said the Parliamentary Secretary. 

‘I believe that the media has an important role so that our country continues to take progressive steps towards a society free of prejudice and discrimination.’

‘Many of us refrain from speaking about sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics out of fear of using the wrong terminology to express themselves or identify others’ the dictionary’s introduction explains. 

‘This obstacle is often heightened in interactions in Maltese, with terminology often substituted with its English counterpart.’

You can access the full document on humanrights.gov.mt for the full list of terms, or follow these links to read in English or Maltese.

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