LGBTs - Are we flogging a dead horse?

The term LGBT is used to emphasize a diversity of "sexuality and gender identity-based cultures." It is also used to refer to anyone who is non-heterosexual instead of exclusively to people who are homosexual, bisexual, or transgender.

Flogging a dead horse?

Flogging a dead horse is an idiom that means a particular request or line of conversation is already foreclosed or otherwise resolved, and any attempt to continue it is futile; or that to continue in any endeavour (physical, mental, etc.) is a waste of time as the outcome is already decided.

It is not the first time for the NST to come out with this challenging issue of defending LGBTs in its spotlight page. It is a perennial issue, especially when suddenly some scholars wanted to present a new conclusion of a social study or research they had just published.

And as usual, it is always with a controversial statement that the trans or LGBTs are not what they appear to be -- challenging the conservative views and misconceptions, and that transsexualism are in fact a biological occurence.

Some five years ago, I read a similar story of a research done by a woman lecturer from Kedah who higlighted (in the NST) the plight of the transexuals and that she insisted the government do something to help improve their existence in society or find ways to reduce the stigma they are facing from the community.

Today the NST gave a two-page highlight on this matter with a screaming title: Looking at the other side of Mak Nyah. In Malaysia, there are between 10,000 and 20,000 transsexuals and more than 60 per cent of them are involved in the vice trade.

In this first part, ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH and FARHANA AB RAHMAN look at the Mak Nyah or transsexual community and the problems that plague them. For those who are yet to be enlightened of the plight of this segment of the community, it's an eye-opener. For me it's a refreshing read.

And don't forget tomorrow (11 February 2011), the NST for the second part. It should be more revealing.

Also read how the PINK Triangle (PT) Foundation, funded by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, helps the Mak Nyah community by focusing on self-empowerment, human rights, personal development and health concerns related to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Centre helps give Mak Nyah sense of belonging

And finally the debate on whether it is inborn or affected by the environment (nature vs nurture again!). Also read my year end write-up: Homosexuality - to accept or not?

Prof Teh Yik Koon

I'm not sure whether it is the same lecturer that I had read about 5 years ago, but this Professor Teh Yik Koon of National Defence University of Malaysia has been studying transsexual issues for more than a decade. She believes the issue is more than the individuals entertaining their alter egos.

She says various research findings have shown that transsexualism is a medical condition, citing a scientific article titled: Male-to-Female Transsexuals Have Female Neuron Numbers in a Limbic Nucleus.

Read the whole article:'It's a medical condition.

But if it is a medical condition, then it can possibly be cured. Or at least the sufferer of the 'medical condition' (Mak Nyahs la..) makes an effort to admit (himself or herself) as a patient. 

But many people also argue that transsexualism is a choice.

Also read: A Critique of the Brain-Sex Theory of Transsexualism

Anyway, in this country with Islam as the official religion, the conservatives who constitute the majority and the people who helm power prefer to stick to the original idea that transexualism is prohibited. 

While non-Muslim can decide for themselves whether they want to accept transsexualism as their way of life, it's up to them. But to the Muslims, it is strictly a no-no (no other way). Even cross-dressing is not allowed, what more a transgender surgery or sex-change.

So what are the alternatives for these Muslims transsexuals?

No alternatives -- dead end road -- no middle ground -- accept it as it is or you burn in hell...!

Man...how cruel can the religion of Islam be?

I am sure you've heard of Zulkiflee Ahmad, the singer who won second place Bintang RTM in 1974, recorded two EPs after that, went to do his bachelors degree at Newcastle University and then came back and transformed into Yasmin Ahmad, film director, writer and scriptwriter (died in 2009 at age 51). 

Liberty League director Leslie Lung

How come he can become a she, and was also accepted into the fold of society and became a very famous and celebrated movie producer and director?

The answer, InsyaAllah: in my next posting (if I am still around).

So, meanwhile try reading about this group from Singapore called the Liberty League which claimed they can help the trans to liberate their transsexuality in a natural way. Liberty League says it conducts weekly group sessions where participants speak about their sexual preferences and dilemmas. 

Group offers 'liberty' from same-sex attraction

Why is there's no similar group exist in Malaysia, apart from PINK Triangle, which we know mostly offers counselling and care services relating to HIV/AIDS and sexuality? What about helping the trans to liberate themselves from their 'confused' sexuality if they desire so?


So, with all these facts and links presented, can we say we are flogging a dead horse or reaching a dead end with the LGBT issue?

Watch this space.