Malaysia - Transsexuals can’t help being who they really are... [2008-07-29 The Star]

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/29/focus/21941522&sec=focus

Opinion

Tuesday July 29, 2008

Transsexuals can’t help being who they really are

I HOPE I’m not the only reader distressed and disgusted by the report “Transsexual pageant raided” (Sunday Star, July 27 [2008-07-29 BLS: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/27/nation/21935260&sec=nation ]).

Here is a clear-cut case of persecution by the Government against a marginalised group of citizens who have done no real wrong.

They have hurt no one and cost the taxpayers of this country not even a single sen by living as they choose.

Your article cited the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs assistant chief as saying “men dressing up like women” goes against Islamic law.

Many would argue that it is even more inhumane to force these men to dress like men even if they feel it goes against their true nature!

It’s an even greater shame when we compare this with the corruption and wrongdoing rife in government institutions today.

As long as such rot is kept under wraps, we are happy to live with the abominations committed by those we vote into office.

And yet we say nothing, and do nothing, while this country continues to vilify and punish transsexuals whose only “crime” is to live honestly and dress to express how beautiful they feel they are. And they are.

LILIAN TAN,
Kuala Lumpur.

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