Along with over 300 people, I attended the Kansas City’s own Fight the H8 rally. I chatted with many people and asking them why was it important that they are out there in the cold to be in this rally.
This will be one of the top issues of my life to fight for the right that was taken away from me simply because I’m gay. Yes, this is personal. You won’t stop hearing from me.
Listen to the audio podcast by clicking “play” on the audio player above.
”Pecah Lobang” was directed by Poh Si Teng (http://www.pohsi.com), one of the winners of the Freedom Film Fest 2008.
“Pecah Lobang”, which means “busted”, explores what it’s like to be a Muslim transsexual sex worker in Malaysia.
Shot in the Chow Kit red light district, the documentary revolves around Natasha, a Muslim Mak Nyah, who refuses to live life as a man. Unable to secure employment because of discrimination, Natasha turns to sex work and lives in constant fear of the police and religious authorities.
Crossdressing is a crime under Syariah law for Muslims and the penalties are severe. But it wasn’t always so. How did Malaysia become so heavy-handed on the transsexual community?
A religious scholar, a physician who conducted sex change surgeries, a sociologist, three attorneys and an outreach worker explain how it all came to be.
Screenings will be held at the following venues on the following dates:
(1) The Annexe Gallery Studio Theatre, Kuala Lumpur (6 Sept. 2008) - 8:30 p.m.
(ii) Tropical Inn, Johor Bahru (13 Sept. 2008) - 8:30 p.m.
First Gay Parade in Indonesia. Now, do you think you will ever see this in Malaysia? I wonder what is Pakatan Rakyat’s stand on this. I am sure there will be a million conflicting views.
May 17 was International Day Against Homophobia. Our Indonesia sisters and brothers took to the streets in Jakarta to say No against homophobia, lesbophobia and tranphobia, as these prejudices can be so thick that those holding them become irrational towards the gay community.
Are you homophobic, lesbophobic or transphobic? Go on reading.
Gay rights are human rights. If you believe in freedom of religion and belief, if you believe in human rights, you would allow them their place on earth.
In Indonesia, the Ardhanary Institute (Women LBT Reserch, Publishes and Advocacy Centre) and the Indonesian Coalition of Women LGBT Rights are formost in raising this controversial issue at the national and international level.
It would be interesting to see the day when even men come out in support of gay women rights in Malaysia.
