In Malaysia, a country known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant society, there exists a community that has been left behind – the transgender community. Despite the progress made in various aspects of society, transgender people in Malaysia continue to face significant challenges and discrimination.
The Struggle for Acceptance
Transgender individuals in Malaysia often face humiliation, discrimination, and are looked down upon simply because they do not fit into the standard conventions of genders and sex. This discrimination is not only societal but also institutional. The Malaysian LGBTQ+ community has been subjected to substantial discrimination, injustice, and abuse throughout the years. In 2020, the Minister of Religious Affairs announced that the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) will be given a “full license to carry out its enforcement actions” against transgender people. This legitimizing of state violence against transgender people illustrates the vulnerability of the country’s minority groups.
The Second Choice Syndrome
Despite their struggles, many transgender individuals have braved through society’s barriers to make their way through life. Some have even gotten involved in efforts to create awareness and help others who are like them. However, these efforts often go unnoticed or are overshadowed by societal prejudice and discrimination. Transgender individuals are often treated as second choices or lesser beings due to their gender identity. This is evident in various aspects of their lives, from employment opportunities to social acceptance. They are often forced to live on the fringes of society, marginalized and overlooked.
The Need for Change
The current prejudice against the transgender community in Malaysia has been greatly censured by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ). The ICJ voiced its unease with the Minister’s proposal to not only arrest members of the transgender community but to also provide them with “religious education”.Instead of bringing transgender people to the “right path”, the focus should be shifted toward recognizing them for who they are. The National Registration Department in Malaysia has been urged to grant National Registry Identity Cards (NRIC) to transgender people based on the gender that they identify with.
It is POSSIBLE
The struggle for acceptance and equality for the transgender community in Malaysia is far from over. However, it is important to remember that change is possible. It begins with understanding and acceptance. It begins with treating everyone as equals, regardless of their gender identity. It begins with believing that NoBODY is a second choice.