The gender wellbeing clinic has been relocated to Paola and now offers a more modern space where specialised health services for trans people will be offered.

The gender wellbeing clinic first opened its doors in 2018 when it started operating in Mtarfa.

The Ministry for Home Affairs, Reforms and Equality said that there have been more than 340 people who have made use of the clinic's services, therefore an alternative place was found to meet this demand.

During a press conference, the parliamentary secretary for reforms and equality, Rebecca Buttigieg said that the opening of this clinic was an important step, and it was taken after extensive consultation with the sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIGESC), and the LGBTIQ Consultative Council.

“We spoke with the LGBTIQ community to see how we can improve the operation of the clinic. Whilst the customers always praised these services, a comment that stood out was regarding the lack of accessibility offered by the building of Mtarfa. Therefore, as a government we listened and acted so that today the operation moved to a more modern and central building,” Buttigieg said.

She also said that the relocation of the clinic forms part of a number of other services which will be open in the coming months for the LGBTIQ community.

She said that the building will incorporate various facilities, including those of the Gender Wellbeing Clinic, with the aim of meeting the needs of the LGBTIQ community.

President of SOGIGESC, Gabriella Calleja was also present at the news conference. She expressed her gratitude for the relocation of this clinic.

“The government listened and acted in the best interests of the LGBTIQ community. This clinic will continue to serve a good purpose, especially for trans people who have just started their transition journey,” she said.