SHAPING OUR
PATH FORWARD
“Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: SEED’s Strategic Report 2023-2028 for Inclusion and Empowerment” has been developed through an inclusive process informed by strategic workshops conducted by SEED. These workshops gathered stakeholders, experts, and representatives from the transgender community to identify the most critical issues faced by the community in Malaysia.
The workshops highlighted the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transgender community, exacerbating discrimination, poverty, and limited access to healthcare and social services. Addressing these challenges and improving the welfare and rights of the transgender community emerged as urgent priorities.
MEETINGS
SEED facilitated regular meetings with local, regional and international organizations who are interested on the issues and needs of the transgender community in Malaysia. Many of the meetings looked at potential collaboration with different stakeholders that can support and improve advocacy efforts for the community.
SEED advocates with stakeholders, donors, policymakers to increase and improve policies and programs for transgender persons in Malaysia. We highlight the need to ensure the continuity of resources and capacity building so that this invisible community is NOT left behind in this developing country.
HIV PREVENTION PROGRAM
SEED Malaysia’s HIV Prevention Program – DHSKP (Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations) funded by the Ministry of Health(MOH) focuses on Transgender persons in the state of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Activities conducted are outreach where we distribute safe sex kits, HIV and STI Testing (conducted by the team members), referral to the clinics, hospitals, welfare department, counseling and others; depending upon the needs of the clients.
Weekly meetings and monthly planning were conducted to discuss the strategies and interventions needed to ensure that the team achieved the indicators set by the MOH. Throughout 2022, they were able to reach out and register.
COMMUNITY BASE TESTING (CBT)
Our DHSKP team were trained by MOH to conduct screening for HIV, STI – Syphilis and Hepatitis C. CBT were conducted either at the Drop In center or at the outreach site. Blood Pressure and Sugar Level were also provided as extra services to the community.
As of December 2022, 3 from 6 of our Community Health Workers were certified to conduct Community-based testing (CBT) and conducted a total of 999 CBT tests in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Out of the total – the 2nd highest ethnicity we were able to reach out to are the Indian community at 38%.
OUTREACH
In 2022, SEED DHSKP Project for HIV Awareness program grant from MOH continued. Outreach activities were conducted in the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor area distributing safe sex kits (consisting of 20 pieces of condoms, lubricants and IEC material.
SEED Malaysia’s Community health worker (CHW) distributed 94,388 condoms and 90,787 lubricants to a total of 4208 numbers of active clients in both Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
SUPPORT GROUP ANd PEER COUNSELLING
We conducted a total of 29 sessions, some of which were done during outreach and some at the drop in center. The aim was to provide a safe and supportive environment where our clients could share their experiences, seek advice and learn from each other.
It allowed and provided the opportunity to connect with others who were going through the same struggles and together build self confidence, develop coping skills and find ways to manage their emotions.
Through these conversations, individuals discovered new Perspectives, found understanding and acceptance, and developed positive relationships with others.
Support groups and peer counseling are beneficial for those with mental health issues, as these conversations can provide a sense of community, connection, asking the difficult questions and gain insight into their own issues.
REFERRALS
Referral services help connect individuals with services and resources they need, such as finding medical services, job placements, identifying a mental health provider or a shelter.
This service provides information and support to those seeking assistance which is additional help or guidance to an individual.
Throughout 2022, we provided a total of 59 referrals on medical services; 8 welfare services (shelters, social welfare); a total of 49 reports to the police, NHRI and Malaysian AIDS Council; 3,961 psycho social support and 472 personal services (driving to government agencies, hospitals, deaths).
SEED’s referral services are more than just connecting resources, we ensure that each of our community receives personalized approaches and we take into account the specific needs of the individuals.
T-HOME
In 2017, we opened the first home for elderly transgender persons. The home was opened for transgender persons regardless of their nationality, race and religion.
T-Home is not just for the elderly, it is also open for all ages especially those who face discrimination, domestic violence, and those who are homeless.
T-Home is a safe space for the community. The Home actively conducts sessions related to health and wellness, human and individual rights and also hosts community gatherings.
EVENTS
SEED conducted and participated in several events for the whole of 2022. These events helped build relationships, created networking opportunities and provided us the platform to gain exposure and highlight the challenges of the community in our efforts to reduce discrimination against our community.