The Spirit of LGBT Movements in Malaysia

• In Event: Queering ‘Spirit’ in the Real and the Reel: Vignettes of Hope, Agency and Empowerment from Malaysia and Indonesia

Abstract

Since the Islamization policy and the discourse of the Asian values under the Mahathir government gained momentum in the 1980s, the socio-political environment surrounding LGBT people in Malaysia has become more and more repressive. Nevertheless, despite the repressive socio-political environment, LGBT movements in Malaysia have accomplished certain results. Based on the case studies of three LGBT movements, PT Foundation, Seksualiti Merdeka, and Justice for Sisters, this paper attempts to clarify the spirit of LGBT movements in Malaysia from a comparative perspective. How did/does each of the movements try to challenge and transgress a normative and adverse socio-political environment in Malaysia through its purposes, leadership, and strategies? What was/is the biggest obstacle to the struggle of each movement? What did the movements achieve? What are the limitations and future challenges for the movements? Through addressing these questions, this paper also aims to understand the relationship between (sexual) minorities, social movements, and the state under an authoritarian political regime

Author

• Tsukasa Iga, Kyoto University