The Malaysian Insight

THERE are meals, a place to shower and sleep, and job opportunities at the Seed Foundation shelter for homeless transgenders in Kuala Lumpur.

Those who come to this “home” need not feel ashamed, but can be assured that a better life is possible with community support.

Seed Foundation executive director Yusmar Yusof told The Malaysian Insight that many transgenders are homeless, adding to their challenges.

“It starts at a young age. Many don’t even get the chance to finish their studies.

“The jobs they find are not those that can provide a secure life. That’s why some turn to sex work, while others take up odd jobs at stalls. This is about their survival. We have to do something about it.”

Many from the transgender community suffer financial hardship as they find it difficult to secure decent jobs.

Compounding the problem is the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS for those who resort to sex work, said Yusmar.

“We have AIDS programmes, where we go down to the ground and meet the community out on the streets or at their ‘workplace’.”

According to Health Ministry data, 3,293 new HIV cases were recorded last year, making the ratio 10 cases to every 100,000 persons.

At the Seed Foundation shelter, which began operations in 2014, transgenders can seek legal, health and welfare advice. The facility also works with GoJob, a social enterprise that helps members of the community find suitable work.

“Recently, they had an open interview at a shopping complex. They have been keeping in touch. We also refer them to clinics when they’re unwell. We take them for treatment,” said programme coordinator Jane Karim.

“We help them with welfare and legal matters, too. There are cases where they’ve been assaulted or robbed. We help them get to the authorities.”

Field worker Manja Nasir said some transgenders want to quit sex work.

“If they want to quit sex work, and work at hotels or malls, we will contact companies willing to employ them,” said Manja, herself a transgender woman.

Leaving no one behind

Yusmar said the Seed Foundation is motivated by its motto “Nobody gets left behind”.

The biggest obstacle it faces is the discrimination against transgenders, he said.

“For no one to get left behind, I hope more people will extend a helping hand, as we are dependent on funds from the public.

“Our efforts are impeded by society’s perception and discrimination. There’s only so much we can do if we are not given a fair chance.”

Manja said she has had to overcome many such hurdles.

“Not everyone can accept us the way we are. But, just know that we exist in this world. We are not asking for special rights, only our rights as human beings.

“Most female transgenders are talented, but unfortunately, they’re not given the chance to shine.” – August 4, 2019.