SEKSUALITI MERDEKA 2009 - Full programme

SEKSUALITI MERDEKA 2009

Our Bodies, Our Rights

Wed 12 – Sun 16 Aug, 2009, The Annexe Gallery, KL

Do we have the right to privacy? Do we have the right to our own bodies? Do we all deserve to be treated equally regardless of our sexuality?

Yes, yes and yes.

It should not matter if you are single, married or divorced, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, transvestite, intersexed or asexual, everyone has these rights. But are these rights recognised in Malaysia? Should they be? And what can we do about it?

This year, Seksualiti Merdeka calls for everyone to stand together to claim our rights.

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OUR AIMS

Happening in its second year, Seksualiti Merdeka is an annual sexuality rights festival featuring a programme of talks, lectures, forums, workshops, theatre and music performances, interactive installations and film screenings.

Seksualiti Merdeka was launched in 2008 in conjunction with Merdeka celebrations to underscore the fact that even after all these years since Merdeka, many of us are still not free to be who we are. The forums and talks last year aimed to foster a sense of compassion and understanding for those who faced discrimination for their gender identities and sexual orientation.

This year, with the theme “Our Bodies, Our Rights”, the festival is focusing on issues that affect everyone, such as privacy, moral policing and human rights. We aim to affirm sexuality rights as a human right, empower individuals and communities of all sexualities, and create platforms for advocacy of sexuality rights.

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OUR SUPPORTERS

Seksualiti Merdeka 2009 is made possible with the support of the Bar Council Human Rights Committee, PT Foundation, SUARAM, KRYSS, Women’s Candidacy Initiative, Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower), Purple Lab, Matahari Books, twenty.one kitchen+bar, The Annexe Gallery, and various individuals.

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SCHEDULE

Wed 12/8

8.30pm: Talkshow: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Thu 13/8

12pm: Documentary: CELLULOID CLOSET

2pm: Documentary: BUKAK API

4pm: Documentary: BEFORE STONEWALL

8.30pm: Theatre: THAT’S THE WAY I LIKE IT

8.30pm: Workshop: KAFE BISIKAN SEKS & SEKSUALITI

Fri 14/8

12pm: Documentary: SOUTHERN COMFORT

2pm: Documentary: PECAH LOBANG + SHE’S MY SON

4pm: Documentary: THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK

8.30pm: Theatre: THAT’S THE WAY I LIKE IT

8.30pm: Workshop: KAFE BISIKAN SEKS & SEKSUALITI

Sat 15/8

12pm: SEKSUALITI MERDEKA LAUNCH

2pm: Debate: MORAL POLICING – IS IT JUSTIFIED?

4pm: Book Launch: BODY 2 BODY: A MALAYSIAN QUEER ANTHOLOGY

6pm: Forum: THE LAW & OUR BODIES

8.30pm: Concert: RAINBOW MASSACRE

Sun 16/8

12pm: Tutorial: IT’S A QUEER WORLD – QUEER THEORY 101

12pm: Workshop: THE SEX TALK SHOW

2pm: Talk: Screwed – THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN MALAYSIA

2pm: Forum: WHO’S AFRAID OF SEX?

4pm: Talk: LEGALISING NATURE: HONG KONG, INDIA & SINGAPORE

4pm: Workshop: POLICE POWER

6pm: Discussion: STEP BY STEP

8.30pm: Concert: RAINBOW MASSACRE

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FEATURES

SEKSUALITI MERDEKA LAUNCH

Officiated by Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir. Come celebrate our official launch and meet all the sweaty organisers and cute volunteers of Seksualiti Merdeka. The launch will also feature a song by V-Mix and a performance by young sexuality rights defenders. Refreshments sponsored by twenty.one kitchen+bar.

Sat 15 Aug, 12pm, Gallery 3

Debate: MORAL POLICING – IS IT JUSTIFIED?

Should we allow the State’s “moral police” to dictate how we should behave? This friendly debate revolves around the role of the State and “moral police” in legislating morality, religious convictions and public law. Debaters include representatives from the Bar Council Human Rights Committee and Centre for Independent Journalism – Fahri Azzat, Adiba Shareen Al’Ayubi, Khaizan Sharizad, Gayathry Venkiteswaran and Shanon Shah. It will be moderated by Simranjit Kaur Gill.

Sat 15 Aug, 2pm, Gallery 3

Book Launch: BODY 2 BODY: A MALAYSIAN QUEER ANTHOLOGY

The first of its kind in Malaysia, Body 2 Body: A Malaysian Queer Anthology features 23 original pieces of fiction and non-fiction in English selected by editors Jerome Kugan & Pang Khee Teik. There are cheers and tears, raunch and kink, polemics and politics: a versatile tribute to the rainbow diversity of Malaysia. The launch will have short readings by Shanon Shah, Cheryl Leong, Brian Gomez, Faizad Nik Abdul Aziz, Paul GnanaSelvam dan Maya Tan Abdullah. The book will available for purchase at RM30 each.

Sat 15 Aug, 4pm, Gallery 1

Forum: THE LAW & OUR BODIES

Do the laws that govern sexual practices and sexuality in our country protect our rights? Or do they infringe upon them? Panel speakers from the Bar Council Human Rights Committee including Saha Deva A/L A. Arunasalam, Simranjit Kaur Gill, Lim Kar Mern and Aston Philip Paiva take a close look at the law and discuss just how restrictive they really are.

Sat 15 Aug, 6pm, Gallery 1

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ARTS

Art Installation: TEMBOK MERDEKA

A collective of artists will create an art installation inspired by the 29 Yogyakarta Principles, as well as two interactive walls upon which visitors can record their experiences of discrimination and acceptance. The installation will last throughout the festival. Strike a pose or become a part of the wall!

Talk Show: ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

With dance doyen Datin Marion D’Cruz, TV & Radio host Will Quah, actor Mano Maniam, transsexual writer Julya Oui, and Irene Leong, mother of a happily gay daughter. Sharing tales about their lives, passion and relationships, these straight and queer individuals will show how diversity, understanding and love are important foundations for a more accepting society.

Wed 12 Aug, 8.30pm, Gallery 3

Theatre: THAT’S THE WAY I LIKE IT – 3 SHORT PLAYS ABOUT SEXUALITY

In “XX, XY or X?”, Low Ngai Yuen directs Carmen Soo & KK Wong who play a brokenhearted and unfulfilled couple searching for answers from an X-rated video. Meanwhile, in “Bed”, directed by Kwan Chan Fong, a woman (Chin Lee Ling) and a man (Lim Chung Wei) confront the secret life of their dead housemate. Finally, one woman’s driving lessons take her down the road of sexual awakening in “Drive”, directed by Hariati Azizan, performed by Ruza Jajuli and Renita Che Wan. The plays contain mature themes. In English, Malay, Mandarin & Cantonese. Admission by donation: RM25 at the door; RM20 presale passes available at http://www.applause.org.my

Thu 13 & Fri 14 Aug, 8.30pm, Gallery 1

Music: RAINBOW MASSACRE

From “I Will Survive” to “YMCA” to “Bukan Cinta Biasa”, queer anthems teach us to dance, fight, and unleash our inner Dorothy – uniting us in a celebration of the outrageous, tragic, campy and bitchy. Rainbow Massacre presents two nights of queer anthems and comedy featuring some of KL’s best entertainers: Joanne Kam, Jit Murad, Mia Palencia, Shanon Shah, Zalina Lee, Fang Chyi, Maya Tan, Melvin Ho & Friends, with emcees Edwin Sumun & Fahmi Fadzil. Admission by donation RM30 adult; RM25 for students. Passes available at http://www.applause.org.my

Sat 15 & Sun 16 Aug, 8.30pm, Gallery 3

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DOCUMENTARIES

Documentary: THE CELLULOID CLOSET

The Celluloid Closet (1995) is a documentary film about the the Hollywood film industry and its cast of LGBT characters both on- and off-screen, censorship and stereotypes.

Thu 13 Aug, 12pm, Gallery 1

Documentary: BUKAK API

The groundbreaking semi-documentary about the lives of transsexuals on Chow Kit Road, directed by Osman Ali.

Thu 13 Aug, 2pm, Gallery 1

Documentary: BEFORE STONEWALL

This historical documentary is about the LGBT community prior to the 1969 Stonewall riots.

Thu 13 Aug, 4pm, Gallery 1

Documentary: SOUTHERN COMFORT

Southern Comfort is an emotionally touching documentary about the last year in the life of Robert Eads, a 52-year-old female-to-male American transsexual who died of ovarian cancer.

Fri 14 Aug, 12pm, Gallery 1

Documentary: PECAH LOBANG + SHE’S MY SON

Two award-winning Malaysian documentaries (Freedom Film Fest) about two different transgender experiences: one from sex workers’ perspective and one from the mother of a transsexual.

Fri 14 Aug, 2pm, Gallery 1

Documentary: THE TIMES OF HARVEY MILK

Before Milk, there was this documentary of the charismatic gay activist, who became the first openly homosexual person to be elected to public office in America. Featuring real footage of Harvey Milk and his friends.

Fri 14 Aug, 4pm, Gallery 1

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EMPOWERMENT

(The following sessions require registration. Please email your name and the names of the session to: seksualitimerdeka2009@gmail.com)

Workshop: KAFE BISIKAN SEKS & SEKSUALITI

What is the difference between sex and sexuality? And why is sexuality such an issue for control, discrimination and persecution? This introductory workshop to sexuality and sexual rights is presented by KRYSS (Knowledge and Rights for Young people through Safer Spaces). Discuss your views and gain a better understanding of sexuality rights and how they relate to our human rights.

Thu 13 & Fri 14 Aug, 8.30pm, Gallery 3

Workshop: THE SEX TALK SHOW

Are you ready to add sizzle to your sex life? PT Foundation presents a talk show with a panel of sexperts on how to make sex safe, adventurous and fun. Additionally, in a separate private room, trained counselors are available to conduct anonymous HIV screenings with counseling.

Sun 16 Aug, 12pm, Gallery 3

Forum: WHO’S AFRAID OF SEX?

Do you think sex is dirty and shameful? Or beautiful and affirming? What influences your attitudes toward sex? What prevents you from having healthy sex? PT Foundation puts together a panel of experts to help you develop positive thinking about sex.

Sun 16 Aug, 2pm, Gallery 3

Workshop: POLICE POWER

Many of us have fantasies about uniformed hotties, but what happens when you’re actually confronted by the real thing? What to do when the cops stop you for holding hands, raid the disco you’re in or detain you for cross-dressing? SUARAM leads a practical workshop on what is the police’s power and what are your rights when you are stopped, fined, detained or harrassed by them.

Sun 16 Aug, 4pm, Gallery 3

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ACTIVISM

(The following sessions require registration. Please email your name and the session names to: seksualitimerdeka2009@gmail.com)

Tutorial: IT’S A QUEER WORLD – QUEER THEORY 101

Benjamin McKay, Film Studies lecturer at Monash University Sunway campus, introduces us to the joys of Queer Theory; after all, there is no norm, everything and everyone is queer! With film clips from Francois Ozon, Amir Muhammad’s Susuk and Douglas Sirk’s Magnificent Obsession. Now, you too can apply Queer Theory in your daily life!

Sun 16 Aug, 12pm, Gallery 1

Talk: SCREWED – THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN MALAYSIA

Not only LGBT folks get bullied in Malaysia. SUARAM presents a crash-course into the overall human rights record of Malaysia, with an overview of the NGOs working in Malaysia. Know your basic human rights, learn about the abuses, and be outraged. Yes, we are all majorly screwed! Let’s all come together for a better future.

Sun 16 Aug, 2pm, Gallery 1

Talk: LEGALISING NATURE: HONG KONG, INDIA & SINGAPORE

Singapore gay equality activist Alex Au discusses recent court cases in Hong Kong and India regarding the repeal of the sodomy law. He also updates participants about the legal situation in Singapore and shares his thoughts about activist strategies for Malaysia.

Sun 16 Aug, 4pm, Gallery 1

Discussion: STEP BY STEP

Movies, massacres and moral policing? What does it all mean? This session is tailored for those who are all fired up and asking, "What next?" Find out how you can transform what you’ve learnt into meaningful action, and how your actions can translate into meaningful change.

Sun 16 Aug, 6pm, Gallery 1

Enquiries:

Please email seksualitimerdeka2009@gmail.com

Or call: 03 2070 1137

www.annexegallery.com

The Annexe Gallery, 2^nd Floor, Central Market Annexe, Kuala Lumpur.

You're welcome to mail this to your friends, but please do not repost this on your blog or publicise this event in the media without permission from the organisers. If you are interested, please email: worldwithoutpangs@gmail.com.

Media Scan: Seksualiti Merdeka on the NSTP {The New Straits Times}

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Focus/2401695/Article/index_html

ISSUES: Why do you want to hurt me?

Homophobia is present everywhere, says Raymond Tai

When we fear, can’t understand or accept something, we may try to ignore, change or lash out at the very thing or person we fear, often without thinking of the consequences, writes TAN CHOE CHOE

Homophobia can lead to violence against homosexuals, says Anj Ho

JAY was hospitalised for two weeks last year after he was attacked by a group of Mat Rempit at a public park that was fast gaining the reputation as a notorious gay-haunt.

It was around 10pm when he stepped out from his parked car for a smoke and saw three men heading towards him. His partner remained in the car.

Suddenly, they were all over him -- bashing him with helmets and fists. He heard curses and he could smell the rank odour of alcohol on his assailants.

But that was all he could gather before he lost consciousness. His partner escaped the assault by locking himself in the car.
When Jay came to, he was staring up at the flickering fluorescent lights of a public hospital. He found he had been in a coma and had lost a week of his life.

"What did I do? I didn't do anything. I was minding my own business. They were looking for someone to kick around. They were lying in wait for someone like me."

What happened to Jay may seem uncommon in Malaysia but no one can be sure because, like so many acts of hatred against the minority, such incidents are rarely, if ever, reported.

"Homophobia is present everywhere -- at home, in the workplace, places of worship, and even in the media. And it's usually insidious and subtle," says Raymond Tai, acting executive director of PT Foundation.

At the recent Seksualiti Merdeka conference which was held at the Annexe Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Singaporean researcher Anj Ho says the term "homophobia" was first coined by psychologist and gay activist George Weinberg in his book Society and the Healthy Homosexual in 1972.

Weinberg defined it as the "dread of being at close quarters with homosexuals... the revulsion towards homosexuals and often the desire to inflict punishment as retribution".

"Researchers who published papers in recent years generally define homophobia along the lines of prejudice, hatred or contempt towards lesbian and gay people, with extension towards other sexual minorities."

Research, says Ho, has also shown that homophobia can lead to violence against homosexuals.

Perhaps one of the most infamous acts of violence against homosexuals in recent history is the murder of 21-year-old political science student Matthew Wayne Shepard in Colorado, United States, 10 years ago.

On October 8, 1998, the University of Wyoming student was found robbed, pistol-whipped, tortured and tied to a fence in a remote rural area and left to die by his two assailants, Russel Arthur Henderson and Aaron James McKinney, whom he met in a bar.

Shepard never regained consciousness and was died four days later.

During trial, Henderson and McKinney's then girlfriends testified that the duo had plotted to rob a gay man, but somehow the robbery turned into a horrifying gay-bashing episode.

The two are now serving two consecutive life sentences in Nevada.

Tai says most forms of homophobia arise because people are afraid of something they cannot relate to.

"It is particularly common among those raised under strict moral and religious values, or have led a sheltered life."

Tai says most homophobic behaviour that he has come across in Malaysia are disguised in the form of jokes making fun of gay men and women.

The other more common form is office gossip, which invariably tries to allude to the suspected sexual orientation of a colleague.

Some of the worst cases of homophobia that Tai has come across were when parents disowned their children after finding out that they were gay.

Ho says there are three common types of homophobes: the gay basher, the dumb straight guy, and the super-nice homophobe.

So what makes a homophobe?

In her literature review on homophobia and the profile of a homophobe, Ho says researches usually show they tend to be older, male, intrinsically religious, conservative, racist, less educated, have greater social prejudices and subscribe to rigid gender roles.

And research has also shown that the majority of gay bashers are males in their teens or early twenties.

"Some have said that anti-gay violence is a control of manhood. Researchers have also shown that men who endorse homophobic and sexist items are likely to endorse hegemonic masculinity items."

Another common factor among homophobes is heterosexism -- the belief that heterosexuals or heterosexuality is superior and all other sexual orientation is deviant.

Homophobes also tend to be misogynistic -- they hate, dislike or distrust women -- says Ho, and research has found links between homophobic violence and violence against young women.

"Those with traditional gender role attitudes tend to express higher levels of homophobia."

Some homophobes also tend to be authoritarians -- self-righteous individuals who maintain a strong acceptance of traditional values and norms and display a general tendency to aggress against others, especially those who threaten their conventional and traditional values.

And "conservatism" has been suggested as the underlying trait of homophobes, says Ho, which dictates that societal norms should be obeyed.

Hence, perhaps not surprisingly, conservatism has also been linked to racism, sexism, greater acceptance of the myth that rape victims deserved to be raped, and religious intolerance, adds Ho.

But no one is born a homophobe.

"Homophobia is learned -- through direct observation, imitation, or participation.

"After it's learned, it is sustained because the people who practise it need it somehow to perhaps make sense of the world, to relate and maintain relationships with others, to protect themselves from their own homo-erotic feelings, or to maximise the social rewards they get for being part of the socially-accepted," says Ho.

Some groups have tried to indicate that homosexuality is a result of a developmental disorder.

"They give the psycho-babble that gay children had distant fathers and domineering mothers, therefore these children could not attach to same-sex parent, and thus develop an inferiority complex towards same-sex others.

"So in the need to compensate for their masculinity, gay men engage in sexual activities with other men." says Ho.

This has given rise to religious-based groups called "ex-gay ministries" which appear on the surface to be well-meaning organisations which try to help save gay souls from certain damnation because of their unnatural, deviant disorder.

These former gay ministries may use reparative therapies to try to convert the gays back to being heterosexuals, says Ho.

These therapies include prayer as a form of spiritual intervention; electrocution, where the patient would be given electric shock if he reacts to homo-erotic material; and surgeries like castration and clitoridectomy, which is the removal of the clitoris to curb sexual desire in females.

The success rate of these therapies are dubious and those who failed to be converted may develop depression, suicidal tendencies, hatred of their own sexuality, lower self-esteem, sexual dysfunction and intimacy avoidance.

Homophobic behaviour can leave deep emotional and psychological scars in homosexual men and women, causing them to be unable to accept their homosexuality, says Tai.

As a result, many may choose to remain closeted or attempt to disguise their sexual orientation by getting married.

"This would result in unhappy relationships and destroy the lives of those they marry. It'd also leave their children to suffer the consequences of the failed relationship," says Tai.

And many end up indulging their sexual appetites surreptitiously -- often without protection.

The recent media frenzy over raids by the authorities on so-called gay haunts and saunas have also caused many to abandon condoms for fear of being caught.

Is it any wonder then that one out of every 10 "men-who-have-sex-with-men" (MSM) screened by PT Foundation in Kuala Lumpur in the last two years was reported to be HIV-positive?

If left unchecked, the illness will spread like wildfire because the majority of MSM in Malaysia are either married or have girlfriends. Experts say some have already infected their partners.

It doesn't help that homosexuality is criminalised in our law under Section 377A of the Penal Code, which states that it's a crime for any man to engage in anal sex -- be it with a consenting adult, male or female. And it's one that's punishable by up to 20 years in jail and whipping.

So, although Jay was battered emotionally and physically, he chose to keep quiet about the incident.

"Do you think the police would seriously want to help me?

"They'd be more interested to know if I'm gay or if I wasn't and what I was doing there at that time of night. Can I afford to tell them what I am?

"Why am I so hated? I'm just being myself and I never did anything to harm anybody," says the 31-year-old sales executive.

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What to do when caught in a police raid?

The following was sent by our dear friend Sonia Randhawa which was a response to Pang's email on the seksualiti merdeka mailing list. I thought it would be useful for all in the event one gets hauled by the Police.

From Sonia

Treating this in the same vein as a raid on a nightclub/ black metal gig: a. Ask the police why they are arresting you. They should have a valid law and reason for doing so - they *cannot* despite what they say, just simply arrest people. b. Phone a lawyer. If you don't have a lawyer, and it's during the day, phone Suaram (03 7785 3525, I think) c. DO NOT GIVE YOUR IC TO THE POLICE WITHOUT A RECEIPT... if the police ask, you are required to show your IC to them. They are not entitled to take your IC.  If you are taken to the police station, and the police want to take a statement, find out what sort of statement they are taking. If they are taking a witness statement only, they cannot keep you under arrest... um. Also attend or organise a Suaram training on what to do if you get arrested - there's a booklet downloadable from their site, www.suaram.net. Sonia Stop torture. Stop detention without trial. Stop state terrorism. Signhttp://www.petitiononline.com/NoISA/petition.html today.

Media Scan: Paid to be fulfil "Mak Nyah" urges {Harian Metro}

To accompany today's article on the sauna raids in Penang, Harian Metro also had an expose article on the "Pupet Dolls" or "Shuban" phenomena in "our community". The summary of the story is about a young man by the name of Fauzi (in his 20s and a university student) who became attached to an older man by the name of Nisa (in his 30s).  According to the article Fauzi is a Transvestite and became attached to Nisa after he seduced Fauzi with promises of money, a phone and a car. The article also describe on how disgusted Fauzi felt when they got physical and how he eventually enjoy it after some time. Fauzi ended his relationship with Nisa after hearing rumours that Nisa has AIDS. The article ended with advice given by the Mufti of Selangor who said that transvestism and homosexual relationship can destroy the society's morals and money is not a excuse of doing such things. 

Well, to me it feels like another sensationalist article by the every reliable Harian Metro. Just makes me wonder who much this Fauzi guy was paid for his story. However most importantly did Fauzi get himself tested after hearing about rumours on Nisa. 

I am going to write an email to Harian Metro regarding on how biased this article is and urge the reporter to advise Fauzi (if he is a real person) to go for a HIV test. 

Below is the article and necessary link:

http://www.hmetro.com.my/Current_News/myMetro/Monday/Setempat/20081103092004/Article/index_html

Ambil upah layan naluri mak nyah

Oleh Mohd Firdaus Ibrahim 

am@hmetro.com.my

ALOR STAR: ‘Puppet Doll’ atau ‘shuban’. Itulah gelaran diberikan golongan homoseksual atau mak nyah kepada lelaki kacak yang menyediakan perkhidmatan layanan ‘khas’ kepada mereka.

Difahamkan, Puppet Doll atau budak patung akan menjadi pengiring kepada golongan mak nyah berkenaan untuk menemani mereka sepanjang malam.

Malah, ada antara Puppet Doll turut bersedia untuk menemani ‘kaki homoseksual’ itu sehingga ke ranjang semata-mata akibat gelap mata kerana mampu mendapatkan habuan wang ringgit setiap bulan.

Lebih menjengkilkan, segelintir daripada mereka juga sanggup menjadi ‘kekasih’ kepada mak nyah terbabit dan dikatakan perlu melayani nafsu buas golongan itu sepanjang malam.

Perkara itu didedahkan seorang pelajar tahun akhir sebuah institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT) dikenali sebagai Fauzi, 20-an, yang bergelumang dalam dunia berkenaan sejak setahun lalu. 

Fauzi berkata, segalanya bermula apabila dia diperkenalkan oleh seorang rakannya kepada seorang mak nyah yang dikenali sebagai Nisa berusia lingkungan 30-an.

“Pada awalnya, saya hanya menyediakan perkhidmatan menemani mereka untuk keluar minum dan menghabiskan masa pada sebelah malam. Namun, selepas beberapa minggu mengenalinya, Nisa menawarkan pekerjaan kepada saya dan menjanjikan pulangan lumayan.

“Dia tawarkan menjadi kekasihnya dan tugas saya hanyalah menemaninya dan melayani kerenahnya terutamanya pada hari minggu. Nisa menjanjikan gaji tetap RM2,000 sebulan, sebuah kereta dan telefon bimbit sekiranya saya bersetuju.

“Bagaimanapun, pada mulanya saya menolak pelawaannya dengan baik dan Nisa pula menerima keputusan berkenaan dengan hati terbuka,” katanya ketika ditemui, di sini, semalam.

Menurutnya, selepas dua bulan mengenali dan menemani Nisa, dia kemudiannya bersetuju menjadi kekasih kepada mak nyah berkenaan.

“Semua ini disebabkan masalah kewangan bagi meneruskan pengajian. Kalau nak diharapkan bayaran perkhidmatan menemaninya memang tidak cukup. Setiap kali keluar, dia hanya bayar RM150 hingga RM200 atau belanja makan saja.

“Lagipun, saya bukanlah daripada keluarga berada. Nak sambung belajar dulu pun, bapa saya terpaksa berhutang sana sini,” katanya.

Fauzi berkata, disebabkan keinginannya mahu meringankan bebanan yang ditanggung keluarga di samping memiliki kehidupan lebih bergaya dan mewah, maka dia sanggup menggadaikan maruah diri bagi melayani nafsu buas Nisa.

“Nisa adalah seorang mak nyah bernafsu binatang. Dia seolah-olah tidak puas dengan apa yang saya lakukan dan ada kalanya dia bertindak cukup ganas. Saya cukup terseksa dengan perbuatannya itu.

“Pada permulaannya memang jijik dan menyeksakan tetapi lama-kelamaan bertukar menjadi seronok. Hanya disebabkan khabar angin mengatakan Nisa menghidapi sindrom kurang daya tahan penyakit (Aids), maka saya meninggalkannya kerana bimbang dijangkiti.

“Selama menjadi kekasihnya, hidup saya cukup mewah dan apa saja yang dikehendaki semuanya mampu dimiliki,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Mufti Selangor, Datuk Seri Mohd Tamyes Abd Wahib, ketika dihubungi, berkata perkara seumpama itu perlu dibendung serta-merta kerana ia bertentangan dengan tatasusila masyarakat dan ajaran agama.

“Perkara ini mesti dipandang serius semua pihak. Antaranya keluarga, masyarakat dan pihak berkuasa kerana ia akan merosakkan moral golongan muda yang bakal menjadi pemangkin kepada pembangunan negara pada masa depan,” katanya.

Menurutnya, masalah kewangan bukanlah alasan sehingga menyebabkan mereka terjebak ke dalam lembah maksiat.

“Niat tidak akan menghalalkan cara. Lebih banyak pekerjaan yang baik dan halal boleh dilakukan dalam negara ini. Lagipun, setiap pelajar diberikan pinjaman Perbadanan Tabung Pengajian Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) dan alasan yang diberikan sememangnya tidak masuk akal,” katanya.

Media Scan: Saunas raided and men hauled to Police station {all major English and Malay dailies}

Looks like it is  the time of year for another sauna raid in Penang. The gist of the articles is that the Police Vice Squad raided several establishments in Penang and detained around 70 people for questioning and several of them were charged for "Gross Indecency".

I am deeply disappointed at the negative tone of the articles, which also highlighted the discovery of condoms (used and unused) an lubricants at the premise which was taken as evidence. This gives out the wrong message to the general public the use or possession of condoms and lube is a crime, which by implication would scare people from carrying them. This is a dangerous stance that the police have been using all this while to confiscate condoms and other paraphernalia as evidence for prostitution. This would no doubt increase the rate of unsafe sexual activity amongst the population.

Below are the articles and links that report on the raids. Please if you can, write to the editors about how you feel about this incident and of course to us too. 

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/3/nation/2443064&sec=nation

Monday November 3, 2008

70 nabbed in police raids on gay parties

GEORGE TOWN: Police broke up four gay parties and nabbed 70 people, some of whom were literally caught with their pants down. Those detained included locals, Americans, Europeans and a Chinese national.Police, in a blitz to weed out vice activities here and in Seberang Jaya on Saturday, stumbled upon the parties specially organised for the men.

In the three-hour raids that started at 5.30pm, police stormed into a traditional massage parlour and a fitness centre in Midlands Park and two other fitness centres in Seberang Jaya.

The raiding party seized used condoms, pornography DVDs, gay magazines, lubrication jelly and boxes of condoms found in the four premises.

Police said the organisers had used legitimate businesses as their front to conduct the illicit activities to hoodwink the authorities.

George Town Deputy OCPD Supt Gan Kong Meng said they arrested 29 men, including a Chinese national, at the massage parlour and fitness centre here during the 8.30pm raid.

Rounded up: The party-goers at Midlands Park being led to the police truck before being taken to the state contingent police headquarters for questioning on Saturday.

Many of them were found naked when police walked into the joints, he said.

The men, aged between 20 and 40, were arrested and questioned at the state police headquarters in Penang Road and were later released on bail, he added.

“Those caught will be charged with gross indecency,” said Supt Gan, adding that police had raided the massage parlour and fitness centre five times in the past.

In Seberang Jaya, the police conducted the raid following public tip-offs and caught 41 suspects, including the Westerners.

The suspects were taken to the Seberang Jaya district police headquarters and had their statements recorded before being released on police bail.

Police are also looking for the owners of the two premises to prosecute them for allowing their premises to be used as vice dens.

http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/Frontpage/2391817/Article/index_html

73 men caught frolicking at 'towel' parties

BERNAMA

BUTTERWORTH: Unlike the 1993 Mel Brooks-directed comedy, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, an entertainment centre and two massage parlours hosted separate parties with a difference yesterday.

Apparently, the humble bathroom towel was the "theme" of the three parties meant exclusively for men.

As it turned out, most of the 73 men who came to have fun with one another, wore just a towel and nothing else.

The guests, including a foreigner, were allegedly participating in a party meant exclusively for homosexuals.

Thus, the police were far from amused when they raided the entertainment centre in Jalan Perai Jaya, and the massage parlours in Pulau Tikus, only to find the men frolicking with their male partners, clad merely in towels.
They also found new and used condoms scattered on the floor as they rounded up 73 men, suspected to be homosexuals, in the three separate raids between 5pm and 8.30pm.

A police spokesman said that the men were aged between 20 and 50.

He said police were tracking down the owner of the entertainment centre who was suspected to have held regular "gay parties" at the premises. -- Bernama

http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2008&dt=1103&pub=Kosmo&sec=Negara&pg=ne_06.htm

70 gay dicekup di tiga pusat spa

Oleh AHMAD SYAHIR KASSIM
syahir.kassim@kosmo.com.my

NOTIS penutupan sebuah pusat kecergasan di Prai selama tiga hari selepas diserbu kelmarin.

---

GEORGE TOWN - Homoseksual di sebalik pusat kecergasan.

Begitulah rahsia dua buah pusat kecergasan di Pulau Tikus dan sebuah lagi di Prai yang dibongkar oleh polis kelmarin.

Dalam tiga serbuan berasingan bermula pukul 5 petang hingga 8.30 malam itu, lebih 70 lelaki termasuk dua rakyat warga asing dipercayai kalangan homoseksual ditahan.

Semasa diserbu ketiga-tiga buah pusat kecergasan yang menyedia khidmat sauna dan spa itu kelam-kabut kerana sebahagian daripada pengunjungnya sedang beraksi tidak senonoh dengan pasangan masing-masing di dalam bilik.

Malah ada di kalangan mereka hanya bertuala semasa serbuan.

Polis yang memeriksa ketiga-tiga pusat kecergasan tersebut juga menemui kondom-kondom baru dan kondom lama serta losyen.

Dua buah pusat kecergasan yang diserbu di Pulau Tikus terletak dalam jarak kira-kira dua kilometer antara satu sama lain.

Bagaimanapun dipercayai ketiga-tiga buah pusat kecergasan tersebut dimiliki orang berlainan. Hanya servis 'ekstra' yang ditawarkan sama.

Ketua Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Pulau Pinang, Senior Asisten Komisioner II, Wan Abdullah Tunku Said berkata, kesemua lelaki yang ditahan berusia 20 hingga 50-an.

Menurut beliau, kesemua mereka ditahan dalam satu operasi sepasukan polis dari Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah negeri bermula pukul 5 petang hingga pukul 8.30 malam.

Media Scan: Me, my body, my mind {The Sun}

Seksualiti Merdeka is in the news again and as always it is good news. One of the leading people in Seksualiti Merdeka, Pang Khee Teik, had an interview done with The Sun's reporter Bissme. S.  Below is the full article with the link. 

Again congratulations to Bissme and editor for The Sun (bissme@thesundaily.com) , Cheng Hai (chenghai@thesundaily.com) for thier support.. Send them a thank you note ok :)

http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=27107#

Me, my body, my mind Bissme S  "NOBODY can tell you what you can do and what you can’t do with your body," says Pang Khee Teik, art programmes director of The Annexe. Pang ... Wants to promote  understanding "When one person manages the most inner part of you which is your sexuality and your desires, then you are a nobody. "When you give someone else the power to tell you what you can do with your body, you’re ultimately giving that person the power to control your mind." His voice was one of many heard at Seksualiti Merdeka in late August. The three-day event included workshops and forums addressing sexual identity issues. Interestingly, it was not just what academicians and activists had to say but also common folk speaking about their personal experiences and tragedies. "We wanted the public to hear voices and stories of those who have been discriminated against and whose lives have been a living hell," says Pang, who initiated the event with Jerome Kugan, The Annexe’s media manager. "There has been lot of injustice and unfair treatment of fellow Malaysians in the name of morality. "In the end, the public still have the right to disagree with them. "But let us hear their story first before making any judgment. We want to create compassion and promote understanding." One seminar, "To Live Without Fear: Dealing With Violence Against Transsexuals", highlighted the prejudices against this community. The event’s success prompted Pang to make Seksualiti Merdeka, a yearly event. He said sexuality rights is not only about the right to have sex with whomever you want but also the right to be responsible. Angela M. Kuga, a trustee with KYRSS (Knowledge & Rights with Young People through Safer Spaces), says, "When two adults have consensual sex, it should not be considered a crime. "We are also under the impression that all religions reject people of different sexuality. "There are religions which have no position on people of different sexual orientation and there are some religions that do. Interestingly, the same text is interpreted differently." She felt the event also gave people the opportunity to know more about sex education. "More young women are worried about unwanted pregnancies than AIDS, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. All these concerns were addressed in the event." She also felt the scope for sex education has to be widened. "Sex education is not about learning about your bodies and preventing diseases," says Angela. "It should also be about building your self-esteem, handling peer pressure and appreciating your lover." Not so long ago, Angela gave a talk in a university and was surprised to find many of the female students were gullible. She said that some of the students even believed that they would not get pregnant if they had sex at a certain time of the day. Next year, Seksualiti Merdeka intends to target parents with children of different sexual orientation. "Society is so negative towards people of different sexuality and it is only natural for the parents to worry about their children’s welfare," says Angela. "We want to provide a platform where the parents can talk about their concerns and their anxieties. "We are searching for parents who are willing to talk and discuss these issues." Pang said that they want to work closely with the media. "We want the media to report fairly when they are doing stories on people with different sexuality," he says. "If the media quotes someone saying people of different sexual orientation are promoting moral decay, it should also get the other side of the coin." Yuenmei Wong, a volunteer at the event and recipient of the 5th Research Award from the Southeast Asia Consortium on Gender, Sexuality and Health wants to highlight companies willing to hire transsexuals. "We want these companies to be role models for other companies," she says. Yet, Seksualiti Merdeka may have raised some eyebrows and ruffled more than a few feathers. "I am not doing anything wrong," says Pang. "I am simply allowing people to talk about their sexuality and to be confident about their bodies. "I would not deny that I had some fears when I wanted to organise this event. "It is my dream that one day I will organise this event without having any kind of fear at all." He dismissed the notion that the event promotes homosexuality. "It is not lifestyle that you can promote," he says. "You are either homosexual or not. I feel we are promoting people to be responsible." His personal vision is that the country will recognise them for who they are and their contributions, and not who they love and sleep with.

Updated: 03:20PM Thu, 30 Oct 2008

Media Scan: Gay is not a disease {Harian Metro}

The following article was taken from Harian Metro, IMHO one of the country's most problematic tabliods. However this article is a gem in that their resident men's health doctor more or less state that Homosexuality is not a disease. The tone is very sympathetic and borders on asking acknowledgement from his readers. Alas it ends with a disclaming sentence, "Mungkin mereka boleh berubah, tetapi ini hanya melalui kesungguhan usaha mereka sendiri"  which translate into "Maybe they can change but on their own efforts". 

Don't loose hope.. this articles suggest there are friends with in the other camp. :)

http://www.hmetro.com.my/Current_News/myMetro/Sunday/SakitTuan/20081012101142/Article/index_html

Gay bukan penyakit

INDIVIDU homoseksual, baik lelaki atau perempuan, mempunyai naluri atau minat berciri seksual kepada kaum sama jenis. Untuk lelaki, istilah digunakan ialah ‘gay’ manakala perempuan dikenali sebagai ‘lesbian’.

Kadangkala istilah ‘queer’ digunakan kepada individu yang menunjukkan minat kepada kaum sejenis walaupun mereka menafikan. Ia satu tindak balas biasa apabila mereka terasa diri mereka mendapat perhatian kawan.

Seorang pembaca bertanya saya, apakah cara terbaik untuk mengubat lelaki homoseksual, terutama yang pernah berasmara dengan lelaki gay lain dan langsung tiada keinginan pada wanita.

Malangnya, keadaan dialami mereka bukan satu penyakit. Ia lebih kepada perasaan kendiri individu itu memilih pilihan naluri kepada kaum sejenis. Jadi, tidak hairan jika mereka mendapati mereka langsung tiada tarikan kepada kaum yang berlainan jenis.

Walaupun mereka mencuba dan kadangkala melakukan perbuatan yang terlanjur dengan individu kaum bukan sejenis dengan tujuan mengetepikan naluri mereka kepada sesama lelaki, mereka masih kekal dengan pendirian seronok dengan kaum sejenis.

Ada juga di kalangan mereka boleh bergaul dan berintiman dengan kaum bukan sejenis dan mereka dikenali sebagai ‘biseksual’. Pasangan mereka akan rasa diri dipergunakan apabila tahu perangai mereka kerana pasangan mereka bukan jenis begitu!

Kedua-dua situasi sedemikian iaitu homoseksual dan biseksual adalah keadaan yang tidak diterima masyarakat umum walaupun boleh diterima sesetengah kawan dan individu yang simpati kepada mereka. Mereka yang bersifat begitu akan dicemuh.

Jadi mereka terpaksa mendiamkan diri saja sambil meneruskan naluri pilihan mereka dalam keadaan berperasaan serba salah.

Tiada rawatan untuk keadaan dialami ini, kecuali dia mengawal perasaan minatnya dengan tidak bermain cinta, menjauhi individu kaum sejenis yang diminati dan tumpukan perhatian kepada kerjaya atau aktiviti kemasyarakatan disamping mendekatkan diri pada agama.

Mungkin mereka boleh berubah, tetapi ini hanya melalui kesungguhan usaha mereka sendiri.

Media Scan: The lure of the young teen {Harian Metro}

Hazri here, I am going to be aiding Pang in contributing to the Seksualiti Merdeka blog. I would be adding in post on the general issues of sexuality and also issues related to that that can effect us locally in Malaysia.

Media Scan post will be a catagory of posts relating to the Malaysian news reports on sexuality. 

My apologies first as I do not have an english translation of the following article but the best I can do is give a rough summary. The article below was publish on Shnday, the 26/10/2008 in the Malay language tabloid Harian Metro. This article is about Razi, 46 years old and a father of four, who is having an affair with a young man in his mid twenties. His affair with this young man was recently discovered by his wife, who now give him an ultimatum to choose been her or the lover. 

Below is the article in full in Malay. 

http://www.hmetro.com.my/Current_News/myMetro/Sunday/BeritaUtama/20081026085942/Article/index_html

Penangan remaja jambu

Oleh SHAMRAN SARAHAN
shamss@hmetro.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Umurnya sudah masuk kategori veteran, berumah tangga selama 21 tahun dan anak sulung kini berusia 20 tahun, namun itu semua belum mampu membebaskan seorang lelaki daripada cengkaman naluri homoseksual.

Hanya mahu dikenali sebagai Razi, 46, bapa empat anak itu meluahkan kegelisahan dan dilema dialaminya kepada Metro Ahad dengan alasan dia kini menyedari tidak boleh lagi hidup berpura-pura sebagai lelaki normal.

Razi berkata, nafsu dan cinta sebenarnya bukan kepada isteri tetapi pada kekasihnya, iaitu seorang anak muda sama jantina dengannya yang dipanggil Edi selepas mereka menjalin hubungan sejak enam tahun lalu.

“Bukan kerana saya tak sayangkan isteri lagi tapi setiap kali menatap wajahnya, saya menyedari saya tidak lagi menyukainya sebagaimana ketika mula-mula berkahwin dulu. Cinta sebenar saya adalah kepada Edi.

“Sukar mengikis naluri yang terpendam dalam diri ini, saya lebih suka mendampingi lelaki. Saban hari saya hanya terkenangkan ‘kekasih’ saya,” katanya yang juga kakitangan kerajaan. 

Razi juga mengakui perkahwinan dengan isterinya yang dilangsungkan 21 tahun lalu sebenarnya lebih bertujuan memenuhi kehendak keluarga dan pada masa sama diharap mampu menutup naluri songsang yang mencengkam dirinya sejak di bangku sekolah lagi.

Menurutnya, ketika di sekolah menengah dan menuntut di universiti, dia kerap memendam perasaan apabila jatuh hati kepada lelaki disukainya. Ia tidak pernah diluahkan kerana takut dipandang sinis dan dicerca oleh mereka.

“Saya juga cuba melawan keinginan songsang saya dan belajar mendekati wanita. Akhirnya saya bertemu seorang gadis ketika menuntut di universiti. Dia kini isteri saya.

“Sejak mula berkahwin, saya cuba mencintai dan menyukainya tetapi entah mengapa perasaan itu tidak mahu datang kepada saya. Walaupun kami kemudian dikurniakan anak sehingga empat orang, realitinya saya tidak pernah menyintai isteri sepenuh hati.

“Nafkah batin yang saya beri kepada isteri hanya semata-mata memenuhi tanggungjawab tanpa ada perasaan cinta. Hubungan kami mampu bertahan sehingga 21 tahun kerana dia memang setia dan benar-benar cintakan saya,” katanya.

Menurut Razi, selepas 15 tahun mendirikan rumah tangga dan mengawal gejolak nafsu songsangnya, pada 2001 dia tewas pada godaan apabila berkenalan dengan Edi yang ketika itu masih menuntut di sebuah universiti di Selangor.

Katanya, ibarat pasangan bercinta, mereka sering keluar setiap hujung minggu dan kerap juga bersama ke pusat peranginan terkenal di tanah air hingga seminggu lamanya.

“Isteri saya mengenali Edi tapi pada awalnya dia tidak mengesyaki apa-apa, malah dia menganggap Edi keluarga angkat kami, tapi tembelang pecah apabila ada rakan membuka rahsia hitam saya pada Jun lalu.

“Sejak itu kami sering bertengkar. Apabila didesak isteri, saya masih menafikan hubungan songsang saya dengan Edi. Bukan apa, saya sayang juga dengan rumah tangga kami yang bertahan 21 tahun. Lagipun, saya malu kalau anak tahu ayah mereka sebenarnya gay,” kata Razi.

Sejak hujung September lalu, Razi tidak lagi tinggal sebumbung bersama isteri kerana isterinya tidak mempercayainya lagi.

“Sejak berjauhan, timbul pula rasa rindu pada keluarga, terutama anak. Memang sepatutnya saya memilih keluarga daripada bersama Edi dan saya tahu apa yang saya lakukan salah serta bertentangan fitrah yang dituntut agama.

“Namun saya juga tidak mahu menipu diri sendiri dan hipokrit. Sukar membuang keinginan bersama Edi. Dalam masa sama, saya tidak mahu melukakan hati isteri. Paling penting anak, adakah mereka boleh terima semua ini?” katanya yang masih buntu membuat keputusan.

Same Sex Revolution

Article from Asia Calling, based in Jakarta. The reporter is based in KL.

Same Sex Revolution – Malaysian Gays Cry for Recognition

September 13th, 2008 by Clarence Chua

Sodomy allegations against Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim have put the spotlight on homosexuality.

Malaysia is one of 70 countries where homosexual acts are criminalized and punishable up to 20 years imprisonment.

But Gay groups are determined to force the public to debate the issue of homosexual rights in open matter.

They have just held a two-day festival called Seksualiti Merdeka- the first gay festival in Malaysia.

Clarence Chua meets with the organiser of the event.

“Well I am gay and I never had any problems with regards to publicly revealing my sexuality.”

KT Pang says his public festival Seksualiti Merdeka gives Malaysians a chance to openly debate homosexuality.

“There will be people who are unhappy about it. I am also trying to be sensitive to the environment. I understand why the issue is perceived the way it is today, so as a result we have tried to strategise our event to be very non-provocative. To these people who are unhappy it all I can say is give people a chance to explain themselves.”

Despite homosexuality being illegal in Malaysia KT Pang says he is loud and proud about his sexuality.

“The most resistance I received are from closeted gay people. It is the closeted gays who are uncomfortable with my “out-ness”.”

There are several unofficial gay nightclubs around Kuala Lumpur.

The authorities do at times turn a blind eye but homosexual activities are usually quickly clamped down.

Recently police in Penang held 14 people and size 1,800 condoms at a fitness centre believed to be a front for gay activities.

In this environment the fact that the Seksualiti Merdeka festival went ahead without protests was extraordinary.

The two day event held in the heart of Kuala Lumpur was filled with popular music performances such as this from Mei Chern.

There were also public forums and lecturers on alternative sexuality.

Historian Dr Farish Noor delivered a lecture that argued homosexuality was ingrained in the regions history.

“Homosexuality is not something imported from the West. It is not something imposed on us. In fact if anything is imported from the West is the laws that criminalised homosexuality. That’s been imported from the West. So I think struggling for the rights of gender minorities is part and parcel of the longer political struggle for the emancipation of South East Asian Societies.”

According to Dr Farish, the importance of Seksualiti Merdeka is to halt religious extremism entering mainstream politics.

“My fear is that if we do not find ways to normalise what has been rendered abnormal then this persecution and this marginalising will continue.”

The recent general election has showed that Malaysians are ready for political change.

But how far are we willing to confront the topic of same sex relationships remains to be seen. Society remains divided.

BS Tan who has a long term girlfriend says he has no issues with homosexuality.

“Basically I don’t have a problem with same sex relationships as long as don’t get into my life and cause me hardship.”

But Syed Mohammad a father of two insists it’s against his religion.

“It’s against gays you know it’s against the teachings of Islam. It’s wrong.”

Very few politicians dare to tackle this issue head on.

In the 2004 general election Malaysian Chinese Association leader Dr Lee Choong Meng proposed to legalise transvestite activities at Lorong Haji Taib, a place notorious for its transvestite activities.

He lost the seat.

The recent allegations against opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim shows that sodomy is used as a political tool to garner public support.

KT Pang says that it is time that gay’s banded together and assert their rights.

“They cannot just be interested in their own rights and be happy with getting away with the gay activities that go on now where the authorities shut one eye. They need to be actively involved in the civic movement of the country so they can say yes I am a Malaysian and I contribute to this country and therefore my rights should be respected too.”

Go to the site to comment!

From Star Mag

Star Mag, The Star, Sun 14 Sep 2008

If one of us ain’t free ...

By JULIAN C.H. LEE

An anthropologist reports on a very different Merdeka event he attended that dealt with a subject often swept under the carpet: alternative sexualities.

IN August last year, malaysiakini.com reported that a transsexual woman in Malacca had been brutally assaulted, allegedly by state religious officers, who also detained her because she was a man dressed as a woman, and that is an offence.

Sexual identities and behaviours attract a great deal of attention in Malaysia, and those who are seen to fall outside heterosexual norms are the subject of official punishments as well as vigilantism.

And yet, as a presenter at an unusual symposium held during the Merdeka weekend pointed out, alternative sexualities actually have a long history in this region. The crowd-pulling political scientist Dr Farish Noor (from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) hosted a session at which he delivered a lecture entitled From Panji to the Present: A Short History of Sexuality in Malaysia and South-East Asia.

Through engaging tales of his travels in Indonesia and a retelling of the story of Panji (or Prince) Semarang, Dr Farish made the point that non-heterosexual practices and relationships are far from being a modern Western import. Instead, they are an intrinsic part of this region’s history.

He noted that in the ancient stories set in the time of Prince Panji (c. 13th to 17th century), it was clear that men enchanted by and having relationships with each other was not something that raised so much as an eyebrow in our region’s past. In fact, far from being a negative force, such a relationship was able to bring a war to an end, it seems!

Vision of freedom

The three-day event (Aug 29-31), called Seksualiti Merdeka and held at The Annexe Gallery in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur, was full of such surprising tales, as well as spirited talks and discussions.

The event was organised to help make Malaysia’s national celebrations meaningful for members of sexually diverse communities and their friends. Its motto, “If one of us ain’t free, none of us are”, was reflected in the broad support it sought.

It was the first event of its kind in the country, claimed Jerome Kugan, media manager at The Annexe Gallery. Kugan and Pang Khee Teik, The Annexe Gallery’s arts programme director, initiated the idea for the event and provided the location and logistical support for the talks, workshops and forums, which were organised by various NGOs and academicians.

It was held on the Merdeka weekend to make a link between the Merdeka spirit and a vision of marginalised sexualities being able to live more freely in Malaysia.

Also worthy of note was the calibre of the supporters of the event, with everyone from activists and scholars to actors, a Parliamentarian, and other high-profile persons attending to either listen or give talks and participate in panel discussions.

Pang noted that an event such as this was needed in Malaysia because sexually different individuals are frequently subject to discrimination and the consequences of misconceptions, which includes abuse.

“The problems of other marginalised communities have been highlighted by various groups, but those of minority sexual identities are not usually highlighted,” he noted.

The main anchor of the event was a series of seminars and a workshop at which issues pertaining to sexuality in Malaysia were discussed among experts and the general public.

Engaging talks

The first of these seminars, To Live Without Fear: Dealing with Violence Against Transsexuals, dealt with the experiences of transsexual Malaysians, their difficulties and the discrimination they face.

Transsexual individuals generally regard themselves as being born into the wrong body – they feel like a woman in a man’s body, or a man in a woman’s body – and would usually take a variety of steps (some bigger than others; for instance, sex change operations) to try to be in the body that they feel is right for them.

However, on top of their own personal turmoil, they face discrimination and harassment from members of the public and official bodies.

The panel addressing this issue was composed of a stellar cast of advocates for transsexual rights, including Subang MP and human rights lawyer Sivarasa Rasiah, Prof Datuk Wan Halim Othman (Universiti Sains Malaysia), Nisha (HIV/AIDS education NGO, PT Foundation), Assoc Prof Teh Yik Koon (Universiti Utara Malaysia). It was moderated by singer/songwriter/social activist Shanon Shah.

What was clear from this panel was that transsexuals face enormous social hurdles in making their way in life, and that these are owing to unjustified but common prejudices.

These hurdles include significant difficulties in finding regular employment. Nisha described many of these difficulties and the work of PT Foundation in addressing them.

Among other points, Assoc Prof Teh and Prof Wan Halim emphasised that the way transsexuals feel, like they are trapped in the wrong body, is fundamentally biological, and that most people do not understand how deep and unchangeable the feeling is.

Sivarasa looked at these issues from the perspective of a human rights lawyer, pointing out that these sexual minorities are entitled to the same freedoms as everyone else but that they are too often denied these freedoms.

On Saturday afternoon (Aug 30), any notions that the world of academia could not generate public interest with its research were thoroughly dispelled.

To a full auditorium, Benjamin McKay, Dr Sharon Bong, both of Monash University, and former Universiti Malaya lecturer Wong Yuen Mei presented findings from research they had conducted into sexuality issues at the Probing Sexualities session.

From selected interview transcripts, Dr Bong showed the ways in which the resilience of the family unit is challenged when a family member declares him or herself non-heterosexual.

Resistance to such declarations often appears as blaming, chastisement, and even hate speech that not only criminalises but also, in some faith communities, demonises them.

These are perhaps the coping strategies of families or communities that attempt to regulate sexual norms.

McKay humorously described his research into the way gay men make use of various places including shopping malls, and Wong discussed her research into “pengkids” – a localisation of the term “punk kids” – which is an identity among some homosexual women in various parts of Malaysia, but in particular the Klang Valley.

Show of support

In another session, Heartbreakers Anonymous, audiences heard amusing and moving stories from Malaysians about growing up different and finding strength to be who they are.

And in Malaysian Artists For Diversity, well known names like former Malaysian Idol contestant Nikki, 3R TV host Rafidah Abdullah, and singer-activist Shanon Shah spoke up in support of equality.

The overall atmosphere was festive, and it was clear that there was significant public support for Seksualiti Merdeka from both inside as well as outside of Malaysia’s sexually diverse communities.

As Pang noted, “One of our aims, besides empowering the marginalised, is also to empower our straight friends to speak up, for us and for themselves.

“After all, as long as the authorities and the public feel it is their right to regulate what is essentially private and personal, the sexuality rights of every Malaysian, heterosexual or non-heterosexual, are threatened.”

While the issues are serious, and the difficulties faced by members of minority sexual identities sometimes very grave, for a few days these were dealt with in both seriousness as well as fun and a strong sense of camaraderie.

Despite the significant difficulties that non-heterosexual people face in Malaysia, many people left the event with a sense of hope and optimism.

While celebrating Malaysia’s independence from colonialism and reclaiming possession of our own nation, at The Annexe Gallery that weekend, some Malaysians were making the case for the next form of merdeka: the reclaiming of the rightful place of sexual diversity in Malaysia and freedom from discrimination and abuse, and towards an accepting, informed and understanding rakyat.

Julian C.H. Lee, PhD, is an anthropologist at Monash University, Malaysia.

For more information about events at The Annexe Gallery, go to annexegallery.com.

Click here for the direct link to The Star (link won't be valid for long).

Also, please email the editors to thank them for a good job: starmag-feedback@thestar.com.my

I'm not gay. I have fantasies and crushes. That's all to it.

Behold the mind of a Muslim boy who claims he had "subliminal inclination" toward another man once, but that this inclination is a "test from God". In a comment, he summed it up as: "Like I said. Gay is 's a label. I'm not gay. I have fantasies and crushes. That's all to it."

I don't know whether he actually came to Seksualiti Merdeka, but it doesn't sound like it... This is what he says:

From afiqsays.blogspot.com

Seksualiti Merdeka. Sexuality Independance.

No. It's not about the freedom of anal-sex and sensual-dildo-sex but the freedom to exude homosexual/bisexual lifestyles.

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Seksualiti Merdeka will take place on 29, 30 & 31 August in conjunction with our Merdeka celebrations to address the fact that 51 years after independence, not all Malaysians are free to be who they are. Many of us are proud productive citizens of the country, yet we live double lives, pretending to be somebody we are not; fearful we may lose our jobs, our families, our lives, the moment someone finds out who we truly love. It is time to ask, why this has to be. Cause, as the song says, if one of us ain’t free, none of us are free.

You know what? Live and let live. I don't mind befriending self-proclaimed proud and loud friends who prefers anal penetration. What matter is that I'm a muslim and in Islam, homosexuality is forbidden. Enough said.

You can discuss homosexuality in great length but we are mere mortals with limited intelligence. We can try our best to rationalize homosexuality but as muslims, we should know better than to trust muslim performers, activists and artists who thinks like atheists.

And on the subject of leading a double life, do thieves walk around telling people "I just stole that guys wallet. He seems cavalier about it."? If it's something forbidden, why should we be proud about it? Justifying a crime will not change the implication of the crime.

Check out what his fans says in their comments:

afiqsays.blogspot.com

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But what makes this really interesting is this earlier stunningly confessional post, for which I applaud his candour, though not his rationale...

Quran-followers' Queer Queries

" We also (sent) Lut: he said to his people: "Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? "For ye practice your lusts on men in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds." - Holy Quran 7:80-81

Death sentence for practicing homosexuality in some Muslim countries.

Muslim Gay Pride

It is rampant, it is becoming acceptable. Gay Muslims are beginning to come out from their closets and declare their sexual orientation. They pray, they fast, they believe in the Oneness of God and yet they're gay.

Homosexuality is a topic surrounded by taboo-chastes in Muslim communities, including BolehLand. It is something parents avoid in conversations. Well, we don't expect much do we? They don't even teach us about sex! (no offence to parents)

In my early years of adolescence, I, like any other teenagers had our blood pumped on anything that involves sexual pleasures. We were curious. We were horny. We did what we do best: we study about sex through the internet and women magazines, dismantling interconnecting hints about sex and sex and sex. Even though I was in the same light as them, I was somewhat eager to indulge in something a tad bit different from boobs and cunts. It all started with the word Anal I discovered from CLEO that leads to anal penetration that eventually leads to gay sex. Gay sex? It is suffice to say that Anwar Ibrahim's case was very educational.

"No dating, no babies, no fuss, and a lot of working out" I thought. I explored everything there is to know about homosexuality until the day I forgot to clear the history of URLs I visited. Kantoi. After an ordeal that includes crying for hours for forgiveness and temporary quarantine in my room, I concluded then that gay sex must have been the most enigmatic and tentalizing thing in the world. I mean for it to be between two extreme mode of acceptance: FEAR and PRIDE, I locked all the memories of pop-up nude bear daddies and androgynous twinks, hoping to understand the topic much further as I get older. When I am able to comprehend the rights from the wrong. When I am able to justify myself through knowledge.

For the time being (then), it'll be a secret between me and God.

When I reached a ripe and legal age of 18, the gay-chaste was finally unleashed by a studiomate of mine. Hazman is a year older, well-built and irresistable. I began to persue him as a 'normal friend' and I used all the oppurtunities I had to be acquainted with him. Our meet-ups became more frequent and as I can recalled, I was mesmerized by his presence. Sinful bliss. It was a one-sided friendship and his subtle animosity made him even more magnetic. I didn't realize then that my subliminal inclination towards him was more then being friends. It was torture. TORTURE. It felt so fucking weird. It had reached to a point where I had cried and sms-ed him gory hate messages when he declined my visit to his room. I recall one that sounds like this:

"Takpe Hazman, aku tak kisah. Tapi ingat, senang je manusia ni mati. Senang sangat. Tutup pintu n tingkap ko rapat2 ek... : )"

I woke the next morning and was WHOAAA... What a psycho biatch! Why in Ayah Pin's name did I sent him that message!

Then everything became clear. Everything. On why Islam forbids homosexuality.

First of all, Gay, Lesbians and Bisexual are Labels. I had a crush on a guy and now I'm deeply in love with a girl. Am I gay or bisexual? These labels are not orientations but are merely man-made popular culture.

It is very true, Gay sex is the most pleasurable sexual act. And like any other extremely pleasurable activities, it comes with a price. In terms of personal well being, homosexuals are prone of infecting HIV Aids and other STD to one another. It will also encourage segregations between communities caused by communal inferiority complex. Yalah, regroup and rejoice, blah blah blah, Gay United! etcetra etcetra. In a wider scale(national/regional) , the homosexuality practice do not produce offsprings, explaining the decline of birthrates in some developed countries.

Why am I attracted to some guys? Because some of them are androgynous. Islam had acknowledged that handsome young boys can be tempting. I read this from a religious book a few months ago.

"Do not sit beside noblemen's sons. Their faces are beautiful and they are even more tempting than that of young virgins."

And from the Quran:

"And there will go round boy-servants of theirs, to serve them as if they were preserved pearls." Al Tor 52:24

"They will be served by immortal boys..." Al Waqiah 56:17

(People who had indulged themselves in excessive exploration of beauty like Poet Abu Nawas and Davinci often slept with their young lovers.)

But for those who are adamant that they were born gay even though they are pious in practicing Islam, I can simply advise you that your inclination is a test from God. If you fight it, you will be richly rewarded.

Until further notice, Gay means Jolly Happiness!

Check out the flurry of comments:

http://afiqsays.blogspot.com/2007/05/gay-muslims.html

"This is pure blasphemy"

From the blog: www.shahnon.com
(no, not Shanon Shah... that Shanon has no time to blog!)

Anyway, this Shahnon fella came for Art For Grabs, and wrote about what he bought (a book by Saharil & Faisal Tehrani, a film by Amir Muhammad) and then mentioned Seksualiti Merdeka. Apparently he sat through the first session on Violence Against Transsexuals. This fella been at Farish Noor's talk in the past and in one of his blogs, showed a photo he took with everyone's favourite liberal historian. But this is what Shahnon said about the notes we were handing out at Seksualiti Merdeka:

..Handout articles on Sexuality issues in Malaysia. One that really caught my attention was an article by Abdul Khalik in The Jakarta Post, "Islam recognizes homosexuality" I just can't believe it. Who are you to speak on Islam?? To me this is pure blasphemy. And I am sad to know that some of our human rights activists here are actually propogating for the so-called sexuality rights in Malaysia.

One of the sexuality issues discussed in the forum was on transexuals. Personally, I have no issues if a non Muslim wants to change his/her sex, but if you are a Muslim, you are bound by the laws of Islam.

Read more: www.shahnon.com

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