In Malaysia, a mother’s love offers her trans daughter refuge
In a village on the outskirts of Kota Bharu, in Malaysia’s deeply conservative northeastern state of Kelantan, Rozi* has learned to ignore what people say about her daughter. She had known for years that Hana* was different. As a child, Hana preferred girls’ clothes and spent most of her time with girls. Later, after leaving Kelantan to study, she began transitioning and eventually returned home,…
In a village near Kota Bharu, Malaysia's conservative northeastern Kelantan state, Rozi, a 58-year-old mother, has learned to overlook public opinions about her transgender daughter, Hana, who has embraced her true identity. Hana, now 27, initially struggled with her gender identity while studying away from home, but returned to Kelantan and began transitioning openly.
Rozi, initially resistant, now cherishes her daughter's presence, fearing that rejection might drive Hana further away. The family's home has become a sanctuary for Hana, who faces increasing caution in public due to the conservative Islamic laws. Kelantan, with its 95.5% Muslim population, is governed by the Islamist Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, which has ruled the area since 1990.
The state's sharia laws criminalize gender transition and cross-dressing among Muslims. Rozi's acceptance has enabled Hana to resume family gatherings and build relationships with other transgender individuals. However, Hana still takes precautions when venturing out, opting for unisex clothing and minimal makeup to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Recent legal actions in Kelantan, including a first-ever prosecution under the 2019 sharia criminal code, have heightened concerns among the transgender community about escalating state scrutiny and fear of arrest.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
