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.
Censorship has always been a heated topic here in Malaysia. There seems to be a never ending list of things that are considered “inappropriate” or “offensive” according to the censorship board, making it almost impossible for Malaysian creatives to express themselves fully through their work.
This year, two major box office releases, Lightyear and Thor: Love and Thunder, were banned from screening in Malaysian cinemas because they contained LGBTQ+ elements. This sparked outrage among Malaysians for two reasons: firstly because these films were highly anticipated, and secondly because censorship over LGBTQ+ elements is just plain backward.
Communications and Multimedia Deputy minister Zahidi Zainul Abidin stated that government and religious institutions will also “take action” against content creators on platforms like TikTok who “promote LGBT” in their content.
Challenging the rules to push for representation
When asked about the major studios’ decision to not allow cuts to be made to their films thus pulling them from Malaysian cinemas, filmmaker Syukri had this to say to IRL, “I think the filmmakers have the right to pull it from theatres to preserve their artistic integrity. It’s totally valid.”
Syukri is a filmmaker whose works provoke the limits of local content, he is also part of the LGBTQ+ community. “I feel challenged honestly. I feel like I want to push their buttons to see how far they will twist the law.” Syukri stated.
IRL also spoke to Nic, a local social media content creator with over 47.5k followers, on the issue. “As a content creator myself, I think the ministers should focus more on other serious issues happening in Malaysia.
“We are not harming anyone physically or mentally. Representation in content allows us to be seen and heard within the community, to spread awareness about the discrimination and oppression. It educates people to be respectful and accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals as a part of society.”
Who dictates what is acceptable in society?
With such heavy importance placed on living in harmony with a “melting pot of cultures”, you would think that the country would be a more tolerating and open one. Malaysians are diverse not only in race and religion, but also in culture, lifestyle and sexual identity.
Art is meant to reflect the artist or the environment around them, to not be bound by rules and censorship. Do the people up top really think the “Road to Oscars” hope of theirs can be achieved with such stringent limitations?
“Just because your belief doesn’t agree with it doesn’t mean it’s inappropriate. Being LGBT is not a choice, it is who you are. If you do not support us or cannot contribute as an ally, the least you can do is leave us at peace.
“The aim of content on social media is to make everyone feel like they belong to a certain community, not to spread hate.” says Nic.
Making important strides in local film and content
Navigating this issue in a conservative is not easy. Though these creatives want to express themselves and stomp on the oppressive parties, every move they make puts their creative careers at risk.
“It’s time the LGBT community makes our mark in the industry and make the statement that we exist. We need to show that we are not an easy target to be punched down. We need to be more vocal and aggressive with our content.
“Those representations have to be genuine though, otherwise it could look forced. It’s a shame that we have to resort to the media for sympathy because society is so closed minded. In a conservative nation like ours, we have to tread carefully,” laments Syukri.
All outlets are being taken away
Being outcast from a community is a truly painful experience, what more being outlawed by your home country. The LGBTQ+ community being reduced to merely a “lifestyle” insinuates that it is a choice to be made, a way of life that can be changed whenever.
The statement made about serious action being taken on creators who promote LGBT content is a blatant attack on the community’s existence. It is a step towards taking away an outlet that is meant to be a safe space for self expression.
Whether it is politically driven or just a conservative mindset, the people in power need to realise that this sort of dictation is ultimately damaging to the country as it compromises the unity of its people. Will we ever move forward?
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