By Isa Myzyraj, Journalist, Expert
Introduction
On September 25, the most-watched debate show in Albania, “Opinion”, broadcast on the national television Tv Klan, featured the main topic: “Opinion – International Escort for Prostitution in Tirana – September 25, 2024.” During the show, among other topics, transgender women were discussed and were portrayed inappropriately. For example, in one part of the show, it was stated, “One detail that left investigators speechless is related to transgender individuals,” followed by, “It is an investigative case, and there was even a debate in court about where the person offering the service should be placed. The court could not decide how to classify it, whether they would send them to a men’s or women’s prison, or whether they would keep them under arrest with detention.”
The show in question was addressing the topic of prostitution in Tirana. During the segment, one of the invited journalists spoke for approximately 8 minutes and 31 seconds about the prosecutor’s investigations into prostitution in the Albanian capital, Tirana, considering that prostitution is illegal in Albania.
The journalist, who is one of the most renowned reporters on law enforcement issues, mentions only the specific case of a trans person who was arrested along with another person from Italy.
The journalist states, “This case has left the investigators speechless,” adding, “This is concerning to me,” clearly expressing that this case is more concerning than other cases.
Meanwhile, the show’s host never attempts to steer the conversation according to principles, and at times expresses astonishment regarding the journalist’s statement. Additionally, other guests, who are well-known media personalities in Albania, can be seen occasionally laughing and “making jokes” in the studio while talking about this trans person. For example, one guest says: “Why didn’t they meet in Italy, but came to Albania instead?”
1.1 The use of language in the media is very powerful as it has a direct impact on shaping societal perceptions. In the case of the show “Opinion,” the journalist’s statements and the way trans women are portrayed create a negative perception and demonstrate a lack of sensitivity toward this marginalized group.
When journalists and hosts use phrases such as “a detail that left investigators speechless” and mention the difficulty of classifying a trans person as either a man or a woman, they reinforce confusion and a lack of understanding about gender identity. This type of language conveys misleading messages to the audience about the trans community and associates unjust and discriminatory attitudes.
This case highlights once again that the media in Albania are careless with the messages they send, and the impact they have on Albanian society, as well as on specific communities. For example, the video of the journalist’s statement about this case posted on the YouTube platform has been clicked more than 32,000 times1 in just three months, while the entire show has been clicked more than 28,000 times2.
1.2 Patriarchal culture, which is often deeply ingrained in Albanian societies, frequently presents women and individuals who challenge traditional gender norms as different or inappropriate. In this context, the use of charged language when referring to trans women and the attempt to categorize them within traditional gender norms reinforces this patriarchal mentality. The audience, which often has limited knowledge and may be influenced by traditional values, may internalize these messages and hold unfavorable attitudes towards trans individuals.
The media plays a crucial role in shaping societal values and attitudes. It has the opportunity and responsibility to educate the audience and challenge stereotypes and prejudices. In the case of this show, the use of discriminatory language and the reinforcement of negative perceptions about the trans community contribute to the spread of stereotypes and hate speech.
1.3 This specific incident shows how an important topic like prostitution can be addressed in a way that harms the image and identity of the trans community. While the show discusses a legal matter related to prostitution, the use of charged language and the focus on the gender identity of a trans person as a detail that “left investigators speechless” shows that the program lacks a full understanding of gender and diversity issues. Even the journalist’s reaction, expressing concern more for this case than for others, clearly indicates a tendency to minimize respect for trans individuals, treating them as anomalies rather than as people with equal rights.
The host and the guests in the studio, by making jokes and laughing about a trans person’s gender identity, contribute to creating an atmosphere of contempt and derision.
2. General situation of transgender women in Albania
2.1 Violence and discrimination
According to a report by the LGBT Alliance and ILGA World, transgender women are among the most discriminated groups within the LGBTI+ community. From 2020-2024, 43% of respondents reported experiencing violence or discrimination, with 74% of these cases directly related to their gender identity.
A particular issue is the criminalization of sex work, which affects many transgender women. Current laws prevent them from changing gender markers on official documents, making them more vulnerable to arrests and discrimination within justice institutions.
2.2 Lack of legal and social support
Although the Law No. 10 221 “On Protection from Discrimination” exists, its implementation remains weak, according to evaluations from both local and international organizations. The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination identified discrimination in only two cases out of 11 reported by the LGBTI+ community during the 2020-2022 period. This lack of effectiveness has decreased the community’s trust in institutions.
3. Misinformation about transgender women: The core of the problem
3.1 Spread of false narratives
In recent years, misinformation about transgender women has rapidly spread through social media and news portals. Misleading narratives portray transgender women as threats to “traditional values” or as individuals seeking to deceive and manipulate the system. These narratives use hate speech and reinforce harmful stereotypes that exclude transgender women from social and institutional life.
3.2 Impact on public and private life
Misinformation not only spreads prejudice but also influences institutional and political decisions related to transgender women. This has severe consequences for access to employment, education, and healthcare services. Moreover, these narratives are used to justify discrimination and institutional exclusion of transgender women. According to information obtained from Aleanca LGBT in May 2024, during the period when Albania holds its annual LGBT+ pride parade, the number of transgender women seeking psychological support from this institution increases significantly. Experts from Aleanca link this rise to stress and anxiety caused by the amplified media and public narratives about the community during that month.
4. Resistance and counter-narratives
Organizations like Aleanca LGBT and Pro LGBT have launched awareness campaigns to combat misinformation. For years, these organizations have been conducting trainings, courses, academies, and roundtable discussions to fight misinformation. Additionally, the organization “ProLGBT” runs the HistoriaIme portal, a media outlet entirely focused on LGBT issues in Albania. This portal addresses and fights all identified cases of misinformation related to the LGBTQ+ community.
5. Conclusion
The situation of transgender women in Albania remains challenging due to deep-rooted discrimination, widespread misinformation, and a lack of legal support. Comprehensive reforms are needed, including legal changes, training for institutions, and awareness campaigns to combat stereotypes and promote equality. Achieving this requires active cooperation among civil society organizations, state institutions, and the international community, with the necessary tools.
References:
- “The Situation of LGBTI+ Communities in Albania,” Alliance against discrimination of LGBTI, 2024.
- Aleanca LGBT and ILGA World, “Joint UPR Submission-Albania,” 2024.
- “Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)5,” Council of Europe, 2024.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AndV4HnXYe0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR9xdas29lg
© 2025 AWA. The article was produced within the framework of the Reporting Diversity Network.