A Maltese woman was laughed at and turned away from Mater Dei's gynaecology department after a security guard mocked and questioned her gender.

The female security guard asked Gabriella Cassar Meli, "aren't you a man?" when she asked for directions to the gynaecology department.

Cassar Meli explained to the security guard that she had no problem with the security guard making the initial error. "Give me a chance so I can laugh a bit," was the reply she received.

On her social media post, which has received a lot of attention, she explained how she was left feeling shocked at the reaction. "I am shocked, disgusted and angry."

"This just shows how much we have to educate people, not only on LGBTIQ+ rights but on basic respect." She said that in this day and age it is not enough to pass laws when such people are working within government entities, especially one as important as a hospital. "Waving a rainbow flag at political activities means nothing."

Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rosianne Cutajar had also reacted to Gabriella's post. "The bitter experience Gabriella faced is clear proof that even though we have made great strides as a country, we still have a lot to do to educate everyone."

According to Lovin Malta, Mater Dei management issued an apology to Cassar Meli and has launched an investigation into the case and will take all the necessary actions.