Watch: We Need A New Maltese Pronoun For Non-Binary People, Trans Activist Urges
A trans activist and teacher has called for the creation of an entirely new word in the Maltese language to refer to non-binary people.
“In English, we use the polite pronoun ‘they/them’, but Maltese is a more gendered language which makes it harder,” Amanda Cossai told an event organised by the PL youth branch Żgħażagħ Laburisti yesterday to mark the start of a new equality campaign called ‘Indaqs’.
“Some take the literal translation and use ‘huma’ but I believe we must find or create a new word. Why not? Language is constantly evolving.”
@lovinmaltaofficial What do you make of this? 🤔👀 #malta #maltatiktok #lovinmalta #fypmalta #fyp #maltapride #LovinMalta #nonbinary #pronouns ♬ original sound – Lovin Malta
Cossai expressed her satisfaction that more people have started displaying their pronouns when introducing themselves to others, such as when writing emails.
“We encourage people, not only trans people, to display their pronouns,” she said. “It used to be the case that if I tell you what my pronouns are, it would be like I’m exposing myself, because only trans people used to do it.”
On a wider scale, Cossai said she would like to see the “elimination” of traditional social gender roles and expressions.
“Why shouldn’t a man wear pink if he wants to? However, it’s problematic in Malta, because if they do that, they will get teased.”
“I work with young children and I’ve seen their parents practically take the toys they’re playing with away from them if they aren’t traditional of their gender.”
Prime Minister Robert Abela, Parliamentary Secretary for Equality Rebecca Buttigieg and European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli were all present for the PL event yesterday.
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