The term Transgender has been recognized in the medical field. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) 5 explains gender dysphoria gender as something experienced by people whose gender assigned at birth differs from their lived experiences. The DSM-5 further provides recommendations to reduce stress and anxiety caused by inability to express their authentic gender identity. The DSM-5 further rightly emphasizes that gender dysphoria is not a mental health disorder. Gender identity disorder (GID) was replaced with gender dysphoria in the latest DSM to avoid stigma and ensure access to care and support for people who do not identity with the gender assigned at birth based on their genitals.

Discrimination and violence against transgender people in Malaysia are a phenomenon that began in the 80’s. Prior to that time, transgender individuals also enjoyed some rights, including changing their name and gender identity in official documents, such as identity cards based on surgical status.

All 14 states in Malaysia have laws that criminalize transgender women based on gender identity and gender expression, while 3 states have laws prohibiting females as men or wearing men’s clothing in public places for immoral purposes. This law was introduced between 1985 and 2012.

Before the fatwa was executed in 1983, which prohibited sex reassurance surgery for transplantation, gender-reinforcing surgery was provided by a local doctor at the University Hospital. After that, the transgender people can no longer change their name and gender marker in their legal documents. The laws and fatwa introduced in the 80s have led to access to human rights, including education, employment, health and housing, further deteriorating, which at once marginalized the transgender community.

It’s time for people to understand that the trans is normal, not pretending, cross-dressing, through one-phase, or unsure of their gender identity. Transgender individuals are simply expressing and expressing themselves, such as cisgender individuals. The most important ally is from the medical professional towards advocating and providing health services such as SRS, Hormone Replacement and other health factors that relate with the community. 

Lack of understanding the diversity of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) causes stigma, discrimination, violence and barriers for individuals to express themselves and become real ones. It is therefore important for the public to educate themselves and each other on the basic concepts of sex as well as gender based on one’s life experience and evidence-based approach.

SEED is non-government organization that is community led and run by the community. It’s a safe space for the community. At our Drop In Centre, we provide basic services and needs for the community such as food, hygiene, referrals, care, support and information related with the community. We do empowerment and sensitization sessions/workshops with the community and the society at large. We educate the Trans community in regards of their self-acceptance through our “Sexual Orientations, Gender Identity and Expression” SOGIE workshops. We also conduct paralegal session with the community to empower the community in regards on legalisation issues that concern the community and their rights as human beings. The community issues, needs and concerns are our main priority but at the same time HIV/Aids information and prevention programs are also crucial. In our sessions/workshops, we will also incorporate HIV/Aids education. 

Besides the community, we do awareness programs with society at large in hoping to reduce discriminations and stigmas towards the Transgender community and the same time to integrate the community in within the society. Sensitization sessions, talks and workshops are done with stakeholders such as government agencies, companies, universities, religious bodies, media and other allies.