Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

Malta’s first transgender TV star has filed a report with the local authorities after reportedly suffering an onslaught of hate speech on Facebook this week.

TV and radio presenter Angela Coleiro, 53, has reportedly filed the complaint with the Hate Speech and Crime Unit in Malta as well as posting some of the insults aimed at her on social media.

One netizen’s comment called the trans star an “insult to women” among other insults.

Coleiro said: “Of course this hurts, but I am strong. I had my gender reassignment surgery 27 years ago and, over the years, I’ve grown thick skin and I’m living a normal life.

“I have decided to take this up and fight against this form of unacceptable comments – not so much for myself but for those other people who might not be as strong as I am.

“I am Malta’s first transgender person in the media. I never felt the need to broadcast my personal life in the media but this time I have to speak up – for myself and for others – and will keep fighting.”

According to local media, the insults followed a seemingly innocuous post about former Prime Minister of Malta Lawrence Gonzi obtaining 1.2 billion EUR during this term in office.

Coleiro reportedly pointed out to netizens that the money was from funds and not a loan and she suddenly started receiving personal insults about her gender.

She said: “I am the sort of person who is not scared to voice my views openly but I make sure not to insult anyone.

“What they don’t realise is that they are not only targeting me. I have an 81-year-old mother and two sisters. And this hurts them.”

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