maltastar.com

Saturday, 23 August 2008 

Maxine’s dream is to have a complete sex change so that one day she starts living her life as a woman, the way she felt since she was born.

In a full interview, published in Sunday paper Kullhadd, Maxine Attard, 25, who won the first edition of Ms Klozet 2008, speaks about how difficult it is to get a sex change in Malta.

“To have a sex change is my life’s dream. I want it so that one day I can say I am myself. But despite Malta being an EU member, I still have to buy pills which are too expensive. Sometimes I feel that everybody is closing the door in my face, especially when I know that in other European countries they [transsexuals] find help,” says Maxine.

Maxine describes herself as a woman trapped in a male body, and that at times she cannot express her real self, “what I really am.”

“I always felt, since when I was young, that I wasn’t a boy. When I was young I felt a girl. I used to believe I am gay, yet that wouldn’t explain my feelings… until I realised I am transsexual,” she says.

Her life was not simple, as she explains that since schooldays she used to play with girls and most of her friends were girls. Maxine says that she always played with dolls and that she hated playing with cars and balls. “I was bullied [at school] as well,” she tells Kullhadd.

Maxine’s life was not only a difficult one when she was young, even now, she still finds difficulty especially when trying to find a job.

“When I apply for a job I always find difficulties. Employers tend to put a stigma on me as soon as they see me. All of them say they would call me back, but none of them ever did. It is very difficult for me to cope without a job,” says Maxine.

Another problem she faces in her day to day life is when she has to use her identity card. She is still listed as a male because she hasn’t as yet made her full sex change. “I hate it when I have to show my ID card, because I know people will try to make fun of you and make you feel uncomfortable,” Maxine explains.

But not all is bleak in her life.

Earlier this year, Maxine Attard won the first ever diversity beauty contest in Malta, Miss Klozet 2008. She won the title of Miss Pearl.

“This was a dream come true. The Miss Klozet contest has opened new avenues in my life and I can express myself better and help more people,” said Maxine.

She explains to Kullhadd that she has a very close relationship with her family, especially her mother and sisters who always helped her in any possible way.

“I am the youngest one among my sisters and their love for me never desisted. My mother is the greatest gift, she respects me and loves me… I am very lucky, she is my greatest and closest friend,” she says.

Full interview with Maxine Attard was published on Sunday, 24 August 2008 in the weekly newspaper 'Kullhadd'.