Embrace diversity of transgenders

From New Strait Times

Since the media went to town with Fatine Young’s immigration dilemma, questions have arisen on whether our society lacks compassion and kindness when it comes to transgenders. AUDREY VIJAINDREN speaks to experts and religious leaders who believe it’s time Malaysians vacate the judgement seat and adopt a more sympathetic approach.

RUDE whistling from passing cars, derogatory name-calling and warding off items that are hurled in their direction are only some of the many things Malaysian transgenders have had to live with for years.

The story of transsexual Fatine Young, 36, who married a British man and is about to be deported to Malaysia for overstaying, is yet another plight of a transgender.

But as the world evolves and society advances, is it time we got off our high horses and started acting more humane? Whether their courage and lifestyle is right or wrong, admirable or sinful, do transgenders deserve less respect and dignity than anyone else?

PT acting executive director and Pink Triangle programme director, Raymond Tai, believes there is much misunderstanding and ignorance among many Malaysians regarding transgenders.

“There is so much misconception on what it means to be a transgender, transsexual, transvestite or gay. Because people do not understand what each term means, there is confusion and a tendency to make moral judgments.

“Transgender is the third gender and is often for life. A transvestite on the other hand is just a fetish to cross dress occasionally. Transsexual is a subset of a transgender, and often implies those who are on some form of hormone treatment, have done plastic surgery or sexual reassignment.

“Those of us who have a relative or friend who is a transgender will find that they are no different from mainstream society and that their ‘transgender being’ is just part of their whole identity.”

Tai says the general perception of transgenders is that they lead an immoral life.

“Because most Malaysians’ main contact with transsexuals are those they see on the street doing sex work or in performances, their impression of a transsexual is based on what they read in the media.

“Unfortunately, most local media portray transsexuals in a negative light, stereotyped as dishonest sex workers who steal and con their clients, and are irresponsible and irreverent.”

The public view, he says, does affect the psychological and emotional state of a transgender.

“Given that most transsexuals face a hostile environment all their lives, many are conditioned to accept themselves as deviants in society and are unable to play a constructive role in it. Their self esteem is low.

“Many gather in urban ghettos to be with other transsexuals, indulging in the only job they know how and are appreciated in — sex work.”

Tai says transgenders face stigma and discrimination from a very young age.

“They are forced to behave and dress according to their biological sex from young, teased and shunned by neighbourhood children and at school, and are unable to express their gender preference at school, college or the workplace.

“Most transsexuals never get past the job interview because of how they look and behave. Their relatives, community and religious leaders lecture them on how they need to reform — to be ‘saved’.”

Obstacles in their lives don’t just end there.

“Those who are on hormone treatment, have breast transplants, and sex reassignment surgery spend their life savings for the treatment, instead of saving up for an education or a home.

“If not done correctly, these treatments and surgeries often result in complications and harmful side effects that are life threatening. Sex reassignment surgeries are also not allowed in Malaysia, making these operations tedious and expensive.

“Those who wish to practise their faith find themselves ostracised from most churches and mosques.

“Most are unable to change their sex assignment in their birth certificates, identity cards, driving licences and passports — even if they may have had a sex change or look every bit like a woman.

“This affects their applications for jobs, housing and bank loans, and scholarships. And of course they face enormous challenges in finding a life partner, and even more should they want to get married. And what about those who wish to adopt children? It is almost impossible,” he says.

Tai is convinced that transgenders face countless challenges even in death.

“They face many legal and religious obstacles — are they to be given a woman or man’s last rites? How can their spouse benefit from their estate and savings when the law does not recognise their relationship?”

Having an open mind, he says, can help change the general stigma tied to them.

“Malaysians should not just be tolerant of people who are different from themselves, but embrace diversity in its true sense — just as they should accept people of other races, religions and cultures.

“They should also be open to people of different gender and sexual orientation. Remember that all these people have families. If you have a relative who is a transgender, would you not wish that they be treated as an equal?”

Anthropologist Professor Dr Wan Zawawi Ibrahim believes dialogue sessions will help the public understand the lives and choices of transgenders.

“Due to globalisation and exposure, more Malaysians are coming to terms with this issue. It’s a matter of overcoming initial cultural negativities and acquiring new perspectives.

“It takes time because people are exposed to so many prejudices and stereotypical ideologies. Unfortunately, our education system does not expose us to different views — alternative education is important.

“Transgenders are misunderstood. But, when the public sees an emic view (inside view), they will be able to look at the issue from a different angle — be it of an AIDS patient or a transgender.

“This group of people do exist, whether we want to accept it or not. So it’s important for the public and authorities to hold dialogues with them.

“The problem is people with power tend to pass judgment without talking to them.”

Religion has its way, Zawawi says, but everything cannot be easily labelled black or white.

“I’m not asking anyone to throw away their beliefs, but there must be areas of compassion and negotiations.

“You can’t understand it, without listening to their stories. Unfortunately, I don’t think many care to listen.”

TRANSGENDERS SPEAK OUT

Fatine Young: “Transsexuals in Malaysia have been treated like freaks or second class citizens for far too long. I hope the community becomes more accepting of transsexuals. “We just want to be what we are. Give us a chance to show that we can contribute to society too.”

Yuki Choe, 33, sales executive: “My biggest fear in the job part is not knowing what they are thinking of when they see me. People are trained to be polite, sometimes you do not know who hates you for who you are. “I hope society would be able to appreciate and accept people who are different, especially gender-wise. People should understand that gender variance is part of life, and not be limited to just strictly boy or girl. “Everyone is taught there are only boys and girls in the education system, all other variances are not acknowledged.”

Sugenya, 33, food outlet owner: “People look at us as if we are a joke. When they see a Mak Nyah, they automatically think ‘sex worker’. But actually we are not all like that. Some of us are highly educated and entrepreneurs. “There are many ‘pondans’ who are not brave enough to ’come out’ because their families beat them. But after they run away from home and with the help of hormone treatments, some families find it easier to accept. “But even then, they are only allowed to visit their family at certain times, in fear that relatives might drop by. “If the families support them by teaching and helping them find jobs, 50 per cent of them will not end up as sex workers.”

Elisha, 30, community sex worker programme manager: “You all have normal and peaceful lives, right? As humans, I want transgenders to have that same right. Don’t equate us to sex workers. “One day I hope transgenders will be able to have government jobs, especially in Parliament. “Myadvice to others out there is to not allow anyone to deny you of your basic human rights.”

Manja, 34, PT Foundation outreach worker: “It’s almost impossible to get a job in the government sector and it’s really difficult dealing with Immigration because the name on my passport does not match my physical appearance. “I believe the problems faced by transgenders is worldwide. All we want is the same rights as other women.”

WHAT THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS SAY

“From a Christian perspective, human beings are created by God, in the image of God. God created everything and He pronounced it as good. However, all of creation has gone wrong because the first human beings chose not to listen to God and since then we have a topsy-turvy world. “We who are not in their situation need to empathise with them and help find solutions rather than to judge them and say, ‘live with what you have’. That’s a simple phrase from this side of the fence, but insufficient. “We must try to understand them and help them as we have helped others in different situations, for we all suffer the consequences of our flawed common humanity. “We can’t sit in the judgment seat as if we are God. Our hearts should go out to them and work on finding a solution for their situation.” – Tan Kong Beng, Christian Federation of Malaysia executive secretary

“In Hinduism, these people are a creation of God. In our religious stories and book, there have been accounts of transsexuals who have been treated with due respect.. “Society accepted transsexuals then, especially because they were able to handle many different situations. “Today, we too have to respect every creation of God, giving them due dignity and respect.” – Dr M. Bala Tharumalingam, Malaysian Hindu Sangam deputy president

“Transsexuals are born like that and our birth is not in the hands of human beings. It’s not the choice of a person to be male, female or a transsexual. “The public should not blame him or her. It’s not like they are breaking rules and laws. They must be given respect just like you and me.” – Harcharan Singh, Malaysian Gurdwara Council president

“There is no such thing as a transsexual, people are either male or female. It is not something you can change. Even if a man wants to be a woman using surgery, it won’t work because you can’t change what God gives. “Some of these people are confused because of psychological reasons. Maybe in their family they were the only boy among nine girls, playing with their sisters and cooking. Those are some of the problems that contribute to this. “People must accept what is given, they should dress and behave accordingly so they are accepted by the public. When a man wears a girl’s dress, people will make fun of him. In Islam, it is haram. You can’t question religion.” – Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria, Perak mufti

“In Buddhism, we don’t interfere with personal affairs. At the same time, we respect their privacy and get involved only if they ask for help. We look into the matter and share with them. When someone asks for help, we maintain noble silence. It’s very personal. “In our area of discipline, when someone wants to be ordained, we ask if the monks can check their background. If the person wants to be a woman, we refer to a nun. If the person has unusual behaviour, we allow them to be ordained as a novice monk.” – Kekanadure Dhammasiri, Buddhist Maha Vihara Malaysia monk and counsellor