Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
In 2005, Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Justice James Foong ruled that a trans woman’s application to have her name and gender marker changed in her legal documents be granted.
The precedence by Justice James Foong however was not used in subsequent cases and similar applications made after that were rejected – one of those applications being from trans woman Aleesha Farhana, who passed away from a heart attack the same year her application was rejected.
Her case is not a unique one – many people from the transgender community lose their lives to this discrimination
“There was a girl named Orked who was studying medicine in university, a very bright girl. During covid there were no classes so she had to stay with her parents, however they found out that she was trans and they abused her.
“She looked into going back to stay on campus but she was discriminated against by her fellow students and the faculty as well. She never went back to study and now we don’t know what has become of her” Executive Director of SEED Malaysia Mitch Yusof tells In Real Life.
To this day, many Malaysian trans persons have reported violence and abuse from their own families including being locked up in rooms and even sent to conversion camps for ‘effeminate’ or ‘soft’ boys.
A safe haven for the trans community in the heart of Kuala Lumpur
SEED Malaysia is a transgender community-led organisation that provides health, legal, and welfare support to the trans community in Malaysia.
“It isn’t easy. When we first started, we had zero. Thankfully there were people who understood our plight and donated. Even then, 90% of the money we receive goes back to the community, and the other 10% goes into running the centre.”
SEED’s first office in Jalan Tiong Nam had only three tables and a few second-hand computers. It was a one-stop drop in centre where the community was provided with basic provisions as well as a place to shower and do their laundry.
Until today, SEED provides pre-packed food for those in need as well as workshops, trainings, referrals to healthcare providers and homes, and CBT(community based testing) for HIV, Syphilis, and STIs at their new office at Jalan Raja Laut.
They also assist members of the trans community in finding work. Mitch says “Trans people are some of the most discriminated against when it comes to work. We’re not talking high-level jobs, but laundry [work], security guard [work], we have places and contacts we can refer them to.”
Never turning anyone away despite being disregarded themselves
The first COVID lockdown in 2020 was a devastating one. Many people lost their jobs, had little means to survive, and many lost their lives.
“My community has always been one who was discriminated against in many areas. During COVID however we saw long lines of people waiting for food, and who were the ones who were giving it out? Us.
“It was very emotional to see. It’s also very humbling. We prioritise our [trans] community because a lot has been taken away from us and there are times when I think we should focus just on our community, but when others in need come to us, how can we say no?” says Mitch.
“We may not be able to give as much as the government, but we could give to those who slipped through the cracks.”
SEED assisted local and governmental foundations in vaccination efforts by sending their teams out to retrieve information of homeless people as well as those without handphones or complete documentation and bringing them to vaccination centres.
SEED helped over 3,000 of such people get vaccinated, regardless of whether or not they were from the trans community.
The relaunching of the new SEED office – Nisha Ayub (one of SEED’s founder) with dignitaries
“If you have experienced it, if you know what it’s like to be discriminated against, you would never wish that on anyone else. You wouldn’t want anyone to feel the pain of being rejected that way.”
Malaysia has a rich history of gender fluidity
The notion of transgender rights and values being a new concept to the region is a false one. Historical records suggest that Southeast Asia has a rich history of gender and sexual identity, and Malaysia is not exempt from it.
Sida-sidas (palace officers) who served in the palaces of Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, and Johor(among many others) were androgynous priests who were males that dressed in women’s clothing.
A trailer for Panji Semerang (1961) on RTM
An ancient form of dance-storytelling called Mak Yong that was brought to Kelantan over 200 years ago has many queer performers and was even recognised by UNESCO.
Mitch tells In Real Life “Back in the 70s and 80s, loads of trans women were Mak Andam (bridal makeup artists). It was very much run by the trans community. Now, everything to do with trans peoples is a sin. There was even a movement saying food cooked by trans women was haram to eat.”
Mak Yong Dance and Drama at Penang c.1903
Everyone has a different story, never a lesser one
We spoke to Jane, Coordinator at SEED, to hear about her experience as a trans woman in the 80s.
“I knew since young that I was different. I loved to be with the girls and didn’t like mens attire. When I was in Standard 1 watching shows like Battlestar Galactica and 6 Million Dollar Man, I would always tell my sister that the actors were so handsome.
“I came out at the age of 14. My brother caught me dressed in girl’s clothing and I was so worried that I would kena (get in trouble) with my parents but that didn’t happen.
“My father who is an imam(muslim leader) said ‘Siapa aku untuk mempertikaikan ciptaan Tuhan?’
“Who am I to judge God’s creation?”
“When people talk about family discrimination, I didn’t go through it, everyone’s story is different.”
The team at SEED having a meeting. Kak Jane is pictured in blue.
On the subject of representation, Mitch said “Everyone has a right to tell their own story because it’s their own experience. You can say what you want as an ally, but come and speak to us first. It has been too long that our community has been asked to shut up.
“It’s about time we start speaking up and speaking out because if we don’t do it, who is going to do it for us?”
Article 8(1-2) in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia
There is currently no Federal Law that punishes discriminatory behaviours against transgendor persons in Malaysia. In fact, transgender bodies are criminalised by the Malaysian legislature under anti-cross dressing laws as well as the Minor Offences Act 1995 which prohibits “indecent behaviour”.
Inclusivity is vital to a stronger society and economy, and transgender persons should be protected as well as included in decision-making processes where their rights are concerned.
“Nothing about us without us.”
You may find more information on SEED Malaysia on their website as well as make donations to them via bank transfer(info here).
Know anyone with an interesting story to share? Drop us an email at hello@inreallife.my and we may feature the story!
For more stories like this, read:
https://inreallife.my/coming-out-of-the-closet-a-transgender-mans-experience/
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