Future of the LGBT Community in Malaysia
Malaysian media is historically and currently pretty homophobic something which seems to be the case throughout much of Asia. So what’s new with LGBTQ Malaysia? As the country is a predominantly Muslim state and majority Malay. There are pockets where opposition towards the LGBT+ community remains high and acceptance of it is lacking.
This article will explore four key developments that have occurred in Malaysia’s LGBTQcommunity over the course of this year. 2022 has been a significant one for LGBTQ Malaysia as a whole. With social, political and legal changes being made that will impact how we understand our own identities for years to come.
So strap in and let’s take a look at what’s new in LGBTQ Malaysia 2022.
LEGALISE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
United Malaysatires (UM), are set to legalise same-sex marriage in 2022. UM has had a liberal stance on homosexuality dating back to the 90s when Malaysia was still under the Asian Lions. Who were known for their anti-gay attitudes. UM’s Pro-Family Party is expected to pass the bill, which will make Malaysia the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage.
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS THE NEXT BIG THING IN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY OF MALAYSIA
LGBTQ+ Malaysia has seen a rapid growth in the past few years. It’s expected to continue with a similar pace in 2022. Country is now home to more than two million LGBTQ+ people. Making it one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations in the entire world. This growth comes with a host of positive changes. With the largest of which being an increase in representation in the media and government. And with foreign travellers increasingly looking at Malaysia’s LGBTQ+ experiences, it’s no wonder the country is experiencing such rapid growth. Have a read of the Malaysia gay and lesbian guide.
MALAYSIA WILL BECOME THE FIRST COUNTRY IN ASIA TO LEGALIZE GAY SEX
Malaysia is set to become the first country in Asia to legalize gay sex in 2022. Federal Territories Committee has recommended that the law be passed as soon as possible. With a view to being put to a nationwide vote in 2023. The proposal would make gay sex a crime, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Federal Territories Committee argued that existing anti-gay laws were toothless. And needed to be updated to reflect the current social climate. It is expected that the proposal will pass with little or no debate in the Dewan Rakyat, Malaysia’s parliament.
MALAYSIA IS SET TO ADOPT AN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR TRANS PEOPLE
In 2021, Malaysia will become the first country in the world to adopt the internationally-recognised definition of gender identity in its national law. This law, which was first proposed in 1989, affirms that people can choose their gender identity and gender expression at any time.
Move comes in the wake of a landmark decision in 2018 by the World Health Organization’s council of doctors to recognize the six distinct genders used in accordance with sexual health needs of people. Advocacy group Human Rights Watch praised the move as “an important step forward for Malaysia’s transgender community.”
LGBTQ MALAYSIA 2022 COMMUNITY STILL FACES BULLYING IN MALAYSIA.
Malaysia is a notoriously conservative country, with strong Protestant and Muslim religious roots. Last thing the LGBT community wants is for things to get worse. So many are working hard to stop the bullying that still takes place in some quarters.
How can the community protect itself? Children are particularly at risk of bullying in Malaysia because they are more likely to be exposed to it than the rest of the community.
Same-sex marriage bill may have passed. But it didn’t solve the larger issue of child sexual abuse, which remains a huge problem in the country.
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE MAY HAVE PASSED, BUT IT’S FAR FROM BEING THE COMPLETE SOLUTION TO ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS.
Law only recognises same-sex marriage, which only applies to the same sex partners of the person making the declaration of marriage. A person who marries someone of the same sex may still be guilty of “corrupting the religious beliefs of others”. This can result in a jail term of up to five years. A law does little to nothing to protect the rights of those who are religious minorities.
LGBTQ PEOPLE STILL FACE DISCRIMINATION AND PREJUDICE.
Many people still think that being gay is a choice, not a condition. This leads to a lot of discrimination and prejudice. Law still has a ways to go before it’s truly a “fairy tale” like the government is saying. LGBTQ community still faces a lot of discrimination in Malaysia, and the government has done little to nothing to protect them.
MALAYSIA REMAINS LARGELY RURAL AND CONSERVATIVE.
We’ve seen progress in Malaysia. But the country’s conservative Muslim majority is still largely opposed to homosexuality. In fact, the law recognises that being gay is not the same thing as being queer. And those who are gay or bi can still be protected against discrimination. Tolerant” Malaysian people are still largely in the minority, with many having to struggle to survive.
WE SEE MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE “TOLERANT,” BUT ARE AFRAID TO BE “BOLD.”
It’s easy to “tolerate” the LGBT community and ignore their problems as we enjoy the “tolerance party”.
But tolerance alone will not solve the problem. What we need are bold, consistent and clear messages of support from the government. And from large businesses like AirAsia and Starbucks. If we want the rest of the community to follow suit and start to be more “tolerant” as well. Then that’s what we need to do.
Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country
In order to cater to its large Muslim population, the government has historically been characteristically anti-LGBTQ+. This year saw the adoption of Malaysia’s first anti-discrimination law for the LGBTQ+ community. As well as a shift towards a more socially-conscious foreign policy. Now, as 2022 approaches, its LGBTQ+ community is expecting more. With the recent announcement that same-sex marriage will be legalised, the community is also hoping for progress on other fronts.
More than that, it is looking forward to seeing which of Malaysia’s leaders will be the most pro-LGBTQ+.