“These things need to stop” - Ira Losco speaks out about Angela Coleiro having to file hate crime report
Angela has received a lot of support from various members of the public and government.
Malta’s first transgender TV and radio presenter, Angela Coleiro had to file a hate crime report today after she was subject to hateful gender-based comments on Facebook. Angela, 53, had her gender reassignment surgery 27 years ago. “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,” she told Times of Malta, noting she has thick skin.
In support, local singer Ira Losco posted a video about the incident, saying that she felt she had to speak out about the matter, supporting Angela. “I am a little irritated,” Ira starts off, noting that Angela is being personally attacked for passing criticism. “I believe that everyone, including Angela, has the right to pass criticism – whatever it may be – because she lives in a democratic country and pays taxes like the rest of us.”
She also appealed to for locals to bring in party politics to situations like these. “Let’s use our heads. Let’s be a little mature in the way we look at things and see other people’s criticism or opinions or what they’re saying, without dragging in politics.”
“Everyone should be treated equally. I have a right to criticise whatever I want to criticise, and I don’t need to be attacked by anyone,” she said. “I get very angry and very annoyed when people personally attack others,” noting that those who attacked Angela did so for being transgender. “These things need to stop. I’m sorry. We need to learn to grow up and mature ourselves in the way we think.”
In recent posts, Angela has noted that she has received support from various political figures including Hon. Claudette Buttigieg, Hon. Roseanne Cutajara, Dr Roberta Metsola and the Prime Minister among other political figures, colleagues and friends. “I am going to continue until there is justice!”