Freedom of Expression and Transgender Women in Malaysia
Freedom of Expression and Transgender Women in Malaysia
A study on the relationship of freedom of expression and gender identity
Freedom of Expression and Transgender Women in Malaysia
A study on the relationship of freedom of expression and gender identity
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Criminalisation
Legal Gender Recognition
July 1, 2021
As mak andam, performers, and shamans, transgender women or trans women have long been part of the Malaysian tapestry, enjoying varying levels of acceptance and inclusion in society at different points in time. However, the last 40 years have shown a regressive shift for trans women in Malaysia.
The early 80s marked the beginning of state-sanctioned criminalization of trans women, resulting in systemic impact on all areas of their lives.
In addition, the negative societal attitudes towards trans women–informed by gender binary ideology–stifle freedom of expression, and affect every area of trans women’s daily lives. Any deviations from the perceived norm and gender binary are seen as shameful. This is, in part, reinforced by cis hetero-patriarchal religious interpretations of Islam promoted by the state. Navigating these socially accepted norms and regulations on a daily basis is akin to trying to find a way out of a rigged labyrinth, at the end of which is a life of dignity that remains out of trans women’s reach.
The ease of accessing social media has led to a rise in the visibility of trans and LGBT persons, their businesses, and trans rights activism at the national and global level. This visibility is often misconstrued by the state and the public as an attempt by trans persons to ‘promote an LGBT lifestyle’.
In recent years, trans women in Malaysia have faced increased censorship, gender-based violence, investigation and prosecution for participating in beauty pageants, and boycotts of trans-women-owned businesses and products.
The research found that the trans women respondents faced widespread restriction of freedom of expression in public and private spaces–at home, at work, in the employment sector, in educational institutions; religious spaces–both online and offline.
Restriction of freedom of expression in the workplace and in the employment sector is the most pervasive, manifesting in denial of employment, restricted access to gendered spaces at the workplace, and restrictive work environments.
The research findings focused on freedom of expression in a few key areas:
Publication date
April 2023
Organisation
Justice for Sisters
Writers, editors, researchers & designers
thilaga sulathireh, Sulastri Ariffin, Breena Au, Suri Kempe, Angel Azurin, Eizarra Elysana Bella, Helena, Isz Husain, Nur Dayana, Puspa, Sara Liantara, Zamanee