Cross-posted from Yuki’s Box Of Chocolates.

Yesterday, I featured a post on the biased and childish reporting from Harian Metro, which includes name-calling trans woman, “pondan”, 9 times, and tried to brush trans people with negative stereotypes. It is universally understood by everyone in the civilized world that morality and character has nothing to do with a person’s gender identity, yet Harian Metro attempted to correlate trans woman-hood, with cognitive sinister motives. Such blatant act of demonization deserves nothing but scorn. However, The Star shows how to do a proper report: just explain the situation without insulting people with derogatory words, and report on the news without attempting to single out and demonize any groups of people:

KUALA LUMPUR: A college student’s indecent act in front of a webcam has come back to haunt him three years later.

The 22-year-old from Sarawak, identified only as Chong, said he befriended a man, in his 30s, in an online chat room during his first year in a college here.

“He wanted me to teach him how to masturbate and show him how to do it,” he said. Chong masturbated in front of a webcam so that the man, known as Melvin, could see how it was done.

“But I did not know he recorded it and on March 14, he sent me a message asking me to have sex with him.

“He threatened to upload the recording on the Internet and asked for RM200 after I rejected his request for sex,” he told a press conference organised by the MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau here yesterday.

Chong said Melvin came to his house to collect the money. “He showed up again after two weeks and asked for more money,” he said, adding that he banked RM250 into Melvin’s account.

Chong said he did not lodge a police report or tell anyone about the recording and extortion as he was not sure what to do.

He decided to seek the help of bureau head Datuk Michael Chong because he was afraid that Melvin will continue asking for money.

When asked why he did what Melvin asked, Chong said he was naive and trusted people easily.

He said he stopped communicating with Melvin and did not reply to his messages after the masturbating incident because he felt something was not right.

Michael said last year, his bureau received five reports relating to online sex video clips and extortion.

He said five victims lost a total of RM570,000 to extortionists.

Early this year, a man was forced to pay RM4,600 to a woman who had his naked photos, he added.

Both men’s sexual orientation were never objectified and not sensationalized. The words “gay” and “homosexual” were never used. The same situation between a man and a woman was mentioned, showing the reality of the situation, and the truth that immoral behaviour or criminal activities are not exclusive to any sexual orientation or gender identity. This is the journalistic integrity that separates tabloids like Harian Metro with newspapers like The Star. Now, what we hope to see from The Star is consistency, as they resorted to tabloid style reporting before, or allow junk news to creep into its papers.

On Harian Metro, the character assassination on trans people as done by them can be honestly called what they are: hate speech that will explode into societal genocide if not checked. And Harian Metro’s often published discriminatory rants against trans people, places them as the leaders in creating an environment of potential hate crimes against human beings whose only disturbance in society, is to be born in a gender different from their sex. Something needs to be done to counter the utter disrespect Harian Metro shows to the trans community in Malaysia. Violent reported deaths of trans woman every year, worldwide, and the many more that are not reported, gives us a sad reminder of what such hatred can do.

Some are your friends. Some are your families. Wise up, Harian Metro. Is this what you want?

Cross-posted from Yuki’s Box Of Chocolates:

I do apologize for not writing much these days, as I have quite a number of things on my mind. However, something propped up last week in my-email that I feel needs to be addressed. Slightly reversing the decision by the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry last year that bans depictions of rempits and trans people (I still do not get the connection between violent motorcyclists and decent human beings with a medical condition), local filmmakers can now depict homosexuality and trans people IF the film ends with sad or tragic consequences to homosexual persons or trans people.

I am very thrilled that my acts of going to work, singing Karaoke with my friends, sleeping, watching movies and enjoying music are considered “immoral activities” by some quarters that I need to repent from. I am also sure that some of my friends would be excited that their loving relationships with their partners is considered nothing but a “culture” that may damage moral values of other people, and people need protection from some insane influence to turn heterosexuals to homosexuals (as if it is ever possible).

Not.

I absolutely do not get any relevance from movies that are based on nothing by idle speculation and lazy guessing into the life of a trans woman, like “…(Anu) dalam botol” for example. I would not even say poorly researched; it is pure fictional fantasy (I can imagine no research was done for “2Alam” either). I do not magically wish to “transform” into a woman to please anyone. If my partner is homosexual, he would find that gross because he wants a man, not a woman. I would not even regret getting the operation done if I have the chance, and if I do stumble upon a loving girl, then we would have a decent lesbian relationship, a kind of partnership that is recognized as the most low risk group for HIV/AIDS infection. By the way I do not even like sex. And I am not a “transvestite”.

So, this is plain misinformation, miscommunication and a counter-culture move to allow demonization of people like me. I have totally no regrets being who I am and am proud to be finally be living, not as who Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman’s thinks I am or I should be. I shall die in pride that though my life is difficult thanks to ignorant and deceitful people like these so-called filmmakers, at least I live as the woman I truly am. These hate-mongering, rumour spreading and lie parroting heterosexists like “Dr” Rozmey may be getting the hype they want. But if any in the trans community of Malaysia commits suicide or are murdered due to the climate of prejudice, misunderstanding, intolerance and discrimination these “filmmakers” create, my sisters’ blood is surely on their hands.

A short documentary offering a glimpse into the lives of four transgenders in the United States, and their stories.

Alishia is a firefighter. Enoch is a university professor. Dana is a software engineer. Jesse is an HIV prevention educator. Each makes invaluable contributions in the work place and in the community. And each faces the threat of losing a job, being denied housing or health care, and suffering violence and harassment simply for being transgender.

In Everyone Matters: Dignity and Safety for Transgender People – a new video produced by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders(GLAD) Transgender Rights Proejct, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coaltion (MTPC), and MassEquality – Alishia, Enoch, Dana, and Jesse talk about their jobs, their family, their hopes, and their worries. Framed by hope and optimism, their stories nevertheless show how vulnerable transgender people still are, and highlight the need for comprehensive laws to ensure that people can obtain and retain employment, remain safe on the streets, and have access to health care and housing.

Everyone Matters allows the viewer to hear from transgender people first-hand about their lives, and makes a powerful case for the passage of transgender-inclusive anti-discrimination and hate crimes laws in Massachusetts and beyond.

Please support the passage of transgender-inclusive non-discrimination and hate crimes legislation. For more information visit http://www.glaad.org

Hat-tip: Helen G (Bird Of Paradox)

Image from www.glad.org

Image from www.wjp.harvard.edu

In the past three to four years, many universities and colleges around the United States began to include gender-neutral housing policies as part of an effort to ensure that all genders, not just the binary, can feel safe, comfortable and respected.

In the next few weeks, Harvard’s Office of Residential Life will be stepping up its commitment to Harvard’s non-discrimination policy by making the process more welcoming and respectful of students with a gender-based need for gender-neutral housing. More information will be released officially through information sessions and published on the several websites connected to residential life, student life, and the LGBTQ community at Harvard.

I’m putting this information out as something to consider when choosing your college as the admissions acceptance dates loom near. I have tried searching to see if there are any organizations that list transfriendly campuses around North America but the closest I have come to is a directory of gender-neutral bathrooms in universities. This is also a good indicator of a university’s effort in trying to provide an inclusive education, regardless of sexual identity and orientation.

According to the Associated Press Style Book (often referred to as the Journalists’ Bible):

“Use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth. If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.”

So I refer to my latest blog post, where Jassmine Shadiqe of the New Straits Times (NST) failed on all counts to do justice not only to the story (you can read the biased version here), but the writer also failed to give respect to the person who was murdered by describing the victim as a “transvestite” (a man in a dress or cross-dressers). She then proceed to address the victim by using male pronouns, and repeatedly parroted her male name. Unbelievably,  NST actually allowed this piece be published in this manner.

Image from www.nstp.com.my

I will make it simple for everyone. If you are sure the person is a male cross-dresser, then you can use the term “transvestite”. However, from the article, it is almost obvious that the victim’s identity is a woman. It would also be safe to say she is a trans woman because it seemed the people around her are aware of her gender identity. So she should be described as a classic transsexual. But what if you are still uncertain? Use the word transgender.

Why transgender? Because it encompasses all gender non-conforming people. It is like saying someone died, without accidently saying that an Indian died when it is a Chinese, or vice versa. It also avoids confusion between gender identifications. Most importantly, since this person was already murdered, can we in our most humble mode grant this person an affirmation to her identity on the basis of humanity?

And if a writer (or you), still insist to use that term because of (your) highly dogmatic views, well consider all the sciences on why people identity as the opposite gender of their sex. It also avoids distress in gender non-conforming individuals when someone do not repeatedly mentions a group of people with the incorrect terms and pronouns. I am sure if a cat understands English she will scratch the table to bits if she were to be called a dog. It is like calling a straight man, gay.

The sense of self in a transgender is often hard-wired inside the brain, especially in the case of transsexuals; and it is a scientific factual truth. Perhaps a good read to understand the issue will be this well written and researched article by Zoe Brain from Australia. And if the newspaper writers  (or whoever) is still lazy to read up and gain some mileage in terms of pure knowledge which will improve professional journalistic standards in our country (or self-dignity), then still please learn to at the least respect another human being. When a person is transsexual woman, address her as a woman, not a man. You certainly do not call an Asian as a Caucassion, do you?

So it is my hope that everyone, especially professional writers, do the right thing by using the correct terms and pronouns to describe someone like me. It will not resurrect this transwoman’s life. But it will surely make Malaysia a better place for all. It removes certain stigmas surrounding sexual minorities alike, while breeding love, respect and understanding to people who are different. And perhaps when these misrepresentations stop, the killing will too. Since we are moving towards Vision 2020 is it not time for us to progress intellectually?

Probably among some of our most common questions, “Where is the Toilet?” or “Encik, errr, kat mana tandas?”, may be questions that take somewhat longer to answer for some people. If there’s any sort of structure that reinforces the simplistic dichotomy between vagina and penis, woman and man, female and male, it’s the public toilet. If there’s any sort of way you can see how society dictates what is yes and no, it’s the smelly hancing tandas awam in schools, petrol stations, shopping complex, and in the parks.

Because you either enter the bathroom of your dictated gender or face the barrage of curses/screams/beatings from the users of the toilets. And that is a problem, isn’t it?

I’m no stranger when it comes to ignoring socially-agreed symbols on the doors of the toilet. I’ve lost count as to how many times I’ve walked into the women’s bathroom. I usually get shocked faces, rude remarks, and just a stare down. Brrrr. Cold! I had only wanted to use the bathroom – and I should have every right to choose. Seeing penises (penii?) being flopped out shamelessly over an urinal isn’t something I thoroughly enjoy. (Btw, don’t you think it’s odd that “male” toilets have urinals which speed up the peeing time, when what’s needed is to provide more cubicles in “female” bathrooms to cut the lines?)

Unfortunately, society seems quite hung up on making sure I used the toilet I’m ONLY supposed to. I don’t mind. But it’s not the same case for many people.

What if I identified as a woman? Why should other people decide who I am? Why can’t I use the toilet I’m comfortable with?

The door signs are already indicating that the toilets discriminates by what you wear (dress, no dress?) – but what does it mean? People who dress with a dress enter the one with the door sign of a person in a dress? How about people who should dress in a dress but don’t want to?

Door signs are tricky. They blur the lines between sex and gender. No one’s sure if you’re not allowed in a women’s bathroom because you don’t “look” womanly, or because you’re not woman. But then again, what is a woman? Simone de Beauvoir said something like “One is not born a woman. One becomes a woman.” What does she mean?

Ironically enough, public toilets started out being unisex and communal. We peeed together. Shat with each other over a chat about what public execution was coming up in the square next week (this was during the 1300-1400s). Both men and women.

It’s only in the mid-19th century that women’s groups began demanding for more public female spaces that toilets became gender-specific.

Probably relevant at the time, as the public sphere was only a man’s space, the toilets were divided and signs were assigned. Women got their own private space within the public male space.

However, such a move continued today only perpetuates and affirms the dichotomy between man and woman/male and female. Perhaps it’s time to call back our old gender-neutral bathrooms?

Most universities in Northern America have begun building and installing gender-neutral bathrooms, which not only provides for equal non-discriminatory access to transgenders but also to seniors and disabled – who may need someone of any sex to accompany them. And if i hear groups shouting for the safety of women and children in gender-neutral toilets, it’s probably useful to know that a sign on a door that says “Women” isn’t going to stop a predator from entering. FYI, the danger being in a gender-specific bathroom is actually more or equal to being in a gender-neutral one.

Gender-neutral bathrooms are nice because they don’t discriminate. And they don’t tell people how to act or dress in order to be able to pee comfortably. No one should tell me how I tinkle my sprinkle. Gender becomes a non-issue. Wherever you are on the spectrum, you’re welcomed.

How’s that for a New Year’s Resolution?

For more info relating to activist work pertaining the need for gender-neutral/all-gender bathrooms, consult: Peeing in Peace, a Resource Guide for Transgender Allies and Activists, a publication by the Transgender Law Center, San Francisco.

Harian Metro has been very diligent in spreading misinformation about tomboys and pengkids for the past couple of months ever since the fatwa on tomboys came out of the National Fatwa Council. They even used the word “tomboi” in various situations, from a girl wanting to be a boy, to a girl who looks like a boy. Most of their articles centered on women who left their husbands or girls who ran away from their parents, for the love of a tomboy.

A few days ago, while spreading such a story, they went back to the very essence of their tabloid style news reporting. Not only are they purposely sensationalizing an issue that could apply to all walks of society, they regressed to utter journalistic idiocy, and showed a total lack of professionalism in reporting, as they covered a story on transgenders with drugged coffee drinks. The Malaysian English daily, The Star, also picks up on Harian Metro’s sore thumb.

There are serious problems with this article here. In Harian Metro, transgenders were inaccurately called “golongan homosexual”, which means the homosexual community. Then, The Star calls all of them “transvestites”, which is entirely wrong at its context in describing transgenders who are actually transsexuals. The English daily then uses male pronouns instead of female ones, blatantly misrepresenting the transsexual female community as males. This displays total ignorance to the major differences between sexual orientation and sexual identity, that has already been established by major psychiatric establishments all around the world.

They then proceeded to paint transgender females as drugged coffee addicts that work overtime to sleep with men, in an attempt to demonize transsexuals as sex-crazed. And the purposeful use of the phrase “pakar sakit tuan” or men’s health expert, underlines their intent of exploiting a transsexual female’s male biology, and duly insults the knowledge of many medical professionals and doctors that work to correct the sexual identity of a transsexual. The grave mash-up of gender and sex in this article is appalling.

The title given by The Star for the Harian Metro article, ‘Kopi reggae’ keeps transvestites up and going”, discriminately paints all transgenders to be involved in this drugged coffee scandal. One should ask, what is the purpose of printing something this negative on a segment on society, one which many may not even be involved in prostitution or drugs?

The Star and Harian Metro should not have resorted to creating new stereotypes on an already painfully misunderstood community, and educate themselves on what Harry Benjamin Syndrome, transgenderism and transsexualism is all about. In this age, it is already a proven scientific fact that gender exists between the brains and not between the thighs. It should come as no surprise with Harian Metro’s reputation as a laymen’s paper, but The Star should be wary of their countless presentation of biased junk articles, to maintain their name as an authoritative source of news. In the end, we duly ask for both dailies would refrain from prejudicial practices, and be sincere in presenting their stories.

Many members of the LGBT were preoccupied with work for the coming World Aids Day 2008. Many more were unable to make it on that weekend. But it was a day to remember for the 20 plus people who came for the inaugural Transgender Day of Remembrance 2008 in Malaysia. It was a day people will talk about; a day of mourning and hope for a better future for us who are different. Some were curious straights while some were just there to watch the movie due to be shown. But all of them left with the message in tact, one that prays for compassion and a wish to be loved for who we are.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance Malaysia 2008 was held at the Annexe Gallery within Central Market on the evening of 22^nd of November, and we were fortunate to be able to get a proper room instead of the café place with many thanks to the owner. The movie “Jihad For Love” was cancelled due to fear of authorities, and 2006 Korean movie with a spot of empathy for transgenders called “Like A Virgin” was screened instead.

The names of those murdered all across the world, from our country to the States and Southern America and even to Iraq, were called out one by one, and everyone responded. We acknowledged every each name saying “We Will Remember” as one by one, every person in the room lighted one candle in memory of each death. Some even went to dedicate another name with another candle, and a shy straight student also requested for a candle for one of the deaths. That was the theme for us. “We Will Remember”, indeed.

A minute of silence and prayer ensued, and I personally dedicated the evening to my first candle lit for Gwen Araujo 6 years ago. It was then many realized how important it is for us to view transgenders as human beings capable of living a life just as anyone else. That we are people deserving of life. Some of those who died were shockingly young, and had their entire lives deprived from them. And as we remember our dead, it is good also to remind ourselves that many of such killings worldwide were not reported, especially in Muslim countries like Malaysia. And a lot of them were tortured before their death.

Everyone especially transgenders across the world already shared what was need to be said on this day. And when the candles continue to burn throughout the movie, one thought that came to my mind was the spirit I realized we need to let the flame of life burn brightly in our hearts. Building respect and understanding on the value of human life should be at the forefront of advocacy against transphobia. There is a dire need for education on diversity and equality, especially dealing with people who are different than us. Only with that can we stop these merciless murders, and create a true environment of love.

I thank the members of the “collective with no name” for working with me on this event.

Some thoughts from a member of the audience:

They are human beings too. They should be treated like one!

Chris from Memphis dropped us a letter:

Hi,
Please know that you are not alone in having to deal with bigoted
authorities. I’m writing from Memphis, TN, USA, and police brutality
and hate crimes (no doubt largely driven by religion) is a serious
problem here with regard to trans women of color. I wish you the best
in trying to stay safe and keep others safe. It seems that we have a
lot in common when it comes to religious bigots who insist on trying
to make life as miserable as possible for an already vulnerable
population. You see, most people around here are nice and there are
people who equally value all human life here. But even the ones who
are ‘nice’ often unfairly think that anyone would willingly choose
this life. We in Memphis will remember your struggles, as they are
part of a larger push for the right to live full lives without the
fears of economic deprivation from not being able to find employment
and the possibility of being killed by someone who is offended by our
existence.

-Chris

Sean-Michael of Gender Divercity also wrote to us. A hat-tip for Chris and Sean-Michael’s messages, and many thanks for Sean-Michael for providing us the full list of names of transgenders who are to be remembered:

Dearest friends in Malaysia,

My name is Sean-Michael and I’m a man who was born “female” and has since transitioned to my proper gender.

As we gather in Arizona, USA on the steps of the state capitol, my thoughts will be with you. Each year we read the names of those we know of who have died, and each year, there are candles lit for those we do not know about. This year I plan to make an altar specifically for those whose deaths are hidden, and unknown. I will bring yukichoe’s letter with me, and will post it prominantly on the altar so others are aware. I will also ask the woman who runs our local TDoR to please allow me to read your letter so that we can take a moment of silence to remember our fallen siblings in Malaysia and elsewhere that we have not been made aware of. May your TDoR be filled with hope for a day when we will be allowed to live freely and safely as ourselves all over the world.

Sean-Michael

http://genderdivercity.blogspot.com

Here is a list of those who are known. There are also 2 Iraqi women who are currently not shown on this list who died just like Ali, executed for being trans.

Kellie Telesford
Location: Thornton Heath, UK
Cause of Death: Strangled
Date of Death: November 21, 2007
Kellie was strangled to death with a scarf, by 18 year old Shanniel Hyatt, who then covered the body of 39-year-old Kellie Telesford with a white blanket – with the brown furry scarf used to choke her still bound tightly round her neck. Hyatt said he killer her after discovering she had a penis.

Brian McGlothin (Liked to dress in Women’s clothes)
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Cause of Death: Shot in the head with an automatic rifle by Antonio Williams who is serving a six year sentence. Brian was 25 years old.
Date of Death: December 23, 2007

Gabriela Alejandra Albornoz
Location: Santiago, Chile
Cause of Death: Attacked and stabbed
Date of Death: December 28, 2007

Patrick Murphy (Found Dressed in Women’s clothes)
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Cause of Death: Shot several times in the head
Date of Death: January 8, 2008
Patrick was 39 years old.

Stacy Brown
Location: Baltimore, MD
Cause of Death: Shot in the head
Date of Death: January 8, 2008
Stacy was 30 years old.

Adolphus Simmons
Location: Charleston, SC
Cause of Death: Shot to Death (Aldophus was 18 yrs. old)
Date of Death: January 21, 2008

Fedra (a known transvestite)
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Cause of Death: Was found lying face up in a pool of blood; cause of death was not reported.
Date of Death: January 22, 2008

Ashley Sweeney
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Cause of Death: Shot in the head
Date of Death: February 4, 2008
The age of Ashley Sweeney is unknown, she was only described as a young transgender woman in a press release.

Sanesha (Talib) Stewart
Location: Bronx, NY
Cause of Death: Stabbed to Death
Date of Death: February 10, 2008
Sanesha was 25 years old.

Lawrence King
Location: Oxnard, California
Cause of Death: Shot to death by a classmate because he was openly gay and liked to wear women’s clothes. (Lawrence King was 15 years old.)
Date of Death: February 12, 2008

Simmie Williams Jr.
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Cause of Death: Shot to death, Simmie was found wearing women’s clothing. (Simmie was 17 years old.)
Date of Death: February 22, 2008

Luna (no last name reported)
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Cause of Death: Brutally beaten to death and tossed into a dumpster.
Date of Death: March 15, 2008

Lloyd Nixon
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Cause of Death:Repeatedly beat in the head with a brick.
Date of Death: April 16, 2008
Lloyd was 45 years old.

Felicia Melton-Smyth
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Cause of Death: brutally stabbed to death by Francisco Javier Hollos, who said he killed her because she would not pay for sex. Felicia was an HIV activist on vacation from Wisconsin.
Date of Death: May 26, 2008

Silvana Berisha
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Cause of Death: Stabbed to Death
Date of Death: June 24, 2008

Ebony (Rodney) Whitaker
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Cause of Death:Shot (Ebony was 20 yrs. old)
Date of Death:July 1, 2008

Rosa Pazos
Location: Sevilla, Spain
Cause of Death: Was found in her apartment, she had been stabbed in the throat.
Date of Death: July 11, 2008

Juan Carlos Aucalle Coronel
Location: Lombardi, Italy
Cause of Death severely beaten causing fractures to the head and face before being run over by a car.
Date of Death July 14, 2008
Juan Carlos was 35 years old.

Angie Zapata
Location: Greeley, Colorado
Cause of Death: She was found in her home with two severe fractures in her skull. Angie was murdered by 31 year old Alan Ray Andrade. Angie was 18 years old.
Date of Death: July 17, 2008

Jaylynn L. Namauu
Location: Makiki Honolulu, Hawaii
Cause of Death: Stabbed to Death
Date of Death: July 17, 2008
Jaylynn was 35 years old.

Samantha Rangel Brandau
Location: Milan, Italy
Cause of Death: beaten, gang raped and stabbed numerous times before being left for dead.
Date of Death: July 29, 2008
Samantha was 30 years old.

Ruby Molina
Location: Sacramento, California
Cause of Death: Drowned
Date of Death: September 21, 2008
Ruby’s naked body was found floating in the American river.
She was 22 years old.

Aimee Wilcoxson
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Cause of Death: undetermined (Police have yet to reveal cause)
Date of Death: November 3, 2008
Aimee was found dead in her bed. She was 34 years old.

Duanna Johnson
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Cause of Death: Shot
Date of Death: November 9, 2008
Duanna was found dead in the middle of the street. She was 42 years old.

Dilek Ince
Location: Ankara, Turkey
Cause of Death:Shot in the back of the head
Date of Death: November 11, 2008

Teish (Moses) Cannon
Location: Syracuse, New York
Cause of Death: Shot
Date of Death: November 14, 2008
Teish was 22 years old.

Ali
Location:Iraq
Cause of Death:executed for being transgender
Date of Death:2008, Month is Unknown
Video of Ali before she was executed: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2tDVtjQNfQ

A big Tilted World thanks for everybody who came, and for everyone who sent their prayers and wishes for us in Malaysia, as we sent our collective love to all our brothers and sisters in the world.

Many thanks to Professor Teh Yik Khoon for her permission to reproduce her article “Transsxualism Is A Biological Phenomenon”. This article was originally published in www.malaysiakini.com on 25th January 2006.

I refer to all the letters published recently on transsexuals. I feel that as a researcher in this area, I should speak out. Why is it so difficult for people to accept a person who is different from the norm even though this person has not done anything bad or hampered their quality of life? Why must people always be so judgmental and think that they are better than others?

They judge not only the transsexuals, but also physically challenged people, mentally-ill people, etc. Don’t forget that when you judge others and create hell for others, you are also being judged by God. God tells us to be kind and compassionate to others; not to take away the quality of life of others. At the end of the day, transsexuals themselves are going to answer to God, not to other people. So, please let God be the ultimate judge and not us.

As a researcher, there is already enough scientific research in the area of transsexualism to convince my colleagues and I that transsexualism refers to a biological phenomenon. This research is published in reputable journals as well as on the Internet. The debate on this issue goes on because people, especially those in authority, refuse to accept these scientific findings.

MCA’s Wanita chief Dr Ng Yen Yen did speak as a medical doctor once in support of transsexuals’ rights sometime back because she is aware of these scientific research.

The myths that male to female transsexuals are influenced to be one by their peers, that their parents dressed them up as girls when they were young because they wanted a daughter, that they were the only male child and were influence by their many sisters or that they were sexually abused when small, are still widely believed in society, including among professionals, as shown in TV3′s ‘Wanita Hari Ini’ programme on Nov 30 last year.

My research on 507 transsexuals in 2001, which has been peered reviewed internationally and accepted by the international academic community, shows nothing of the sort. Transsexuals start feeling different at a very young age, some as young as four or five years old. Their parents, especially their mothers, could not accept their cross-dressing let alone dressing them up as girls when they were small. They have both brothers and sisters as their role models. Many transsexuals were not sexually abused when small.

Researchers overseas that I know, including researchers like myself, started out wondering whether transsexualism is a social phenomenon. After carrying out our research, we all ended up believing strongly that you cannot ignore biological factors.

Concerning religion, I have spoken to an ustaz at Jakim (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam) and he said that if transsexualism is a biological factor, then Islam will have to reinterpret the matter. I hope the relevant authority will open up to the fact that transsexualism does have a biological factor. In Iran, the government has accepted the existence of transsexuals and pays for the sex change operation as they believe that quality of life is important to this community.

Lastly, I hope the media will be more balanced in their talk shows on marginalised communities as bias reporting will be very detrimental to their quality of life, creating more discrimination and marginalisation of these communities – like what TV3 has done with their ‘Wanita Hari Ini’ programme. I have already voiced out my dissatisfaction to them. Also, if everyone tries to have a friend among the transsexuals, you will have a different opinion about them.