“Supporting LBTQ-specific work and organisations is crucial. LBTQ-led organisations provide a platform for LBTQ individuals to have their voices heard and their unique needs addressed,” Andi tells us when stressing the importance of supporting LBTQ-led organisations.
Andi is an LGBTQI activist from Malaysia who uses her law expertise to advocate for equal access to justice in the region. Andi is now the Founding Director of Legal Dignity, an LGBTQI organisation “dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of LGBTQI individuals living in Malaysia, particularly in areas where they face legal challenges and discrimination,” Andi explains.
To mark Lesbian Visibility Week and the relaunch of GiveOut’s LBTQ Women’s Fund, we spoke to Andi about the issues that LBTQ women in Malaysia face and the importance of supporting LBTQ-led organisations and LBTQ-specific work.
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how you became an LGBTQI activist?
So being an LGBTQ activist is not just a label I carry. It is a fundamental part of my identity and purpose in life. My journey towards activism has been one that has been both personal and transformative, shaped by my experiences, convictions, and the desire to build a society that is more inclusive and also equitable for all people, regardless of their SOGIE. It was an unexpected journey, but I preferred to view it as an intervention guided by a higher power.
Growing up, I experienced firsthand the discrimination and prejudice of being part of this community. I had always been a keen observer, choosing to steer clear of any confrontations or conflicts. However, recognising the extent of my privilege as a cisgender individual with legal training, this motivated me to push past my comfort zone and advocate for change.
“So being an LGBTQ activist is not just a label I carry. It is a fundamental part of my identity and purpose in life.”
Would you be able to talk about some of the specific challenges that LBTQ women face in Malaysia right now?
LBTQ women in Malaysia face a myriad of challenges, many of which are rooted in societal attitudes, cultural norms and also legal barriers. The unique challenges often arise from discrimination based on both gender and sexual orientation. The discrimination is wide-ranging from online gender-based violence and restrictions on freedoms of expression, association and assembly to limited access to health services and employment opportunities.
Our most recent survey ‘Spotlighting LBQ+ Realities in Malaysia’, where we surveyed over 100 LBTQ persons, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities they face in Malaysia.
LBTQ women in Malaysia often face intersectional discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, socioeconomic status, mental illness, and disability. Marginalised groups such as transgender women, women from minority ethnic backgrounds or indigenous LBTQ women with disabilities may experience compounding discrimination and face some additional barriers to inclusion and acceptance.
The way society views women as the guardians of culture and tradition and as the bearers of honour only serves to worsen the stigma and discrimination that LBTQ women experience. LBTQ women often encounter challenges such as familial rejection, social ostracism and even violence as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. In private spaces, women are often perceived as half-human, not able to fully exert their agency, which further exacerbates this situation. So the absence of comprehensive legal safeguards amplifies the vulnerability of LBTQ individuals.
Our survey found that LBTQ women also face significant challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare services. Inadequate support and access to inclusive healthcare services is often a result of a limited understanding of LBTQ-specific health needs and concerns. The lack of resources and education within the healthcare system itself perpetuates disparities in health outcomes for LBTQ individuals. As a result, they may receive inadequate and biased care from healthcare providers, and it might discourage individuals from seeking necessary medical care, jeopardising their overall health and safety.
Finally, the legal frameworks in Malaysia frequently fail to adequately address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of LBTQ women, leading to significant gaps in protection and also in support.
And what work have you been doing with Legal Dignity to support and protect LBTQ women in Malaysia?
At Legal Dignity, we understand the complex nature of these challenges and are committed to finding solutions through customised programs and initiatives.
As an LBTQ-led organisation, we are dedicated to going above and beyond in addressing these issues, ensuring we provide more than just legal support and legal advocacy. We provide practical assistance and advocacy support to women as they navigate legal systems. This could involve supporting them through legal proceedings, connecting them with professionals who are LGBTQ friendly or affirming, and also actively advocating for their rights to be empowered.
We also provide a range of education workshops, training sessions, and resources to empower LBTQ women, as well as a platform to provide space for individuals to connect, collaborate and support each other in different missions The survey we did earlier this year serves as the baseline for our upcoming activities and initiatives, specifically focusing on urgent needs and priorities.
Thinking more broadly, why do you think it’s so important to be able to fund LBTQ-specific work?
Supporting LBTQ-specific work and organisations is crucial. LBTQ-led organisations provide a platform for LBTQ individuals to have their voices heard and their unique needs addressed.
LBTQ-led organisations play an important role in pushing for policies and legislation that protect and advance the rights of people. In a country like Malaysia, where conservative values are prevalent, with deeply ingrained gender stereotypes, particularly within private spaces and religion is being used as a source to enact policies, the work of LBTQ-specific organisations in Malaysia is crucial in challenging these repressive structures and advocating for equality and acceptance for all individuals.
“In a country where love like ours is criminalised, individuals hide their relationships and affection for fear of persecution. So let’s shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of lesbian experiences, stories and contributions in Malaysia, dismantle stereotypes, challenge stigma and create a future where every lesbian can thrive authentically and without fear.“
It is crucial to acknowledge the different types of discrimination and ensure that the legal system effectively meets the needs of marginalised communities. We must analyse the intersection of various forms of discrimination within the legal system and consider how the outcomes may vary for different groups.
I just want to share an example, for instance, a situation where a women’s rights NGO is assisting a survivor of domestic violence and the survivor identifies as an LBTQ person, the organisation may lack the specific knowledge, skills and first-hand understanding needed to effectively address the unique needs of someone with a diverse gender identity. While this in no way minimises the expertise of any women’s rights support groups, it’s important to recognise the need for additional support to provide comprehensive assistance for LBTQ individuals.
Thank you for sharing that. And finally, Is there a message you would like to share for Lesbian Visibility Week?
I guess my message is that Lesbian Visibility Week should serve as a reminder of the importance of visibility and representation, and also the need to continue advocating for the rights and dignity of lesbian women everywhere. But it’s also crucial to recognise that gender equality and justice are intrinsically linked to the inclusion and upliftment of LBTQ individuals.
In a country where love like ours is criminalised, individuals hide their relationships and affection for fear of persecution. So let’s shine a spotlight on the rich tapestry of lesbian experiences, stories and contributions in Malaysia, dismantle stereotypes, challenge stigma and create a future where every lesbian can thrive authentically and without fear. Our visibility isn’t just a statement, it’s a revolution of love, acceptance and empowerment.
Legal Dignity is supported under the LGBTQI Solidarity Fund, an exciting initiative by GiveOut to mobilise the UK LGBTQI community and allies to come together to show our collective support for LGBTQI communities worldwide. With support from foundations and the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), GiveOut is building a pool of match funding to double the impact of donations by individual and corporate donors.