Transgenders can loo-k to disabled ones

KUALA LUMPUR: The debate continued to rage over the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Malaysia.

Following the order by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa to remove two portraits of LGBTQ activists from an exhibition, the issue is now centred on the community’s access to public toilets.

Yesterday, his deputy Fuziah Salleh urged the LGBTQ community to use toilets for the disabled in the meantime.

This, she said, was considered the best solution after taking into account the feelings of women who did not feel safe when transgenders used their toilet.

At the same time, the transgenders, she said, felt unsafe using men’s toilets.

“They are scared that they will be harassed if they go to the men’s toilet. But if they use the women’s toilet, the women will feel unsafe. We need to understand them,” said Fuziah.

“So, I consider this is the best solution until the public accepts them,” she told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

Earlier, Dr Mujahid had denied that he gave permission for transgenders to use women’s toilets after he was reportedly quoted as asking why was that a problem.

“Nobody is going to ask if she is going to the female toilet because she looks like a female,” he was quoted as saying last Friday.

Dr Mujahid had since come under fire, with many accusing him of being disregardful of women’s safety.

Transgender activist Nisha Ayub said having access to public toilets meant more than just access but security and job opportunities as well.

The issue, she said, was not new, adding that the lack of access could cause discrimination against the community.

“There are cases of transgender individuals not being employed because of the toilet issue,” said Nisha.

Many bosses, she said, gave the excuse of not having toilets for transgenders for not employing them.

“There are also cases of transgender individuals who are stopped by security because of it,” said Nisha, adding that not having proper access to toilets also compromised the security of transgenders.

The community was only asking for equality and for the right to live in peace along with other Malaysians, she said.

“We are not asking for rights such as same-sex marriage. We just want to be able to develop ourselves personally and professionally and to lead peaceful lives,” she said.

Sisters in Islam said there was no justification for people to refuse to share toilets with transgenders.

“Taking into account that we live in a modern and civilised society, it baffles us how a basic biological human function such as relieving oneself has become a subject of contention,” it said.

Pointing out that each cubicle in female public toilets was equipped with a door to guard the modesty of its occupants, it said there was no reason for other users to be offended.