Transgender women in Malaysia, in the context of HIV and Islam: a qualitative study of stakeholders’ perceptions

Barmania, Sima and Aljunid, Syed M., (2017). Transgender women in Malaysia, in the context of HIV and Islam: a qualitative study of stakeholders’ perceptions. BMC International Health and Human Rights, 17(30), 1-10

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  • Sub-type Journal article
    Author Barmania, Sima
    Aljunid, Syed M.
    Title Transgender women in Malaysia, in the context of HIV and Islam: a qualitative study of stakeholders’ perceptions
    Appearing in BMC International Health and Human Rights
    Volume 17
    Issue No. 30
    Publication Date 2017-10-18
    Place of Publication London
    Publisher BioMed Central
    Start page 1
    End page 10
    Language eng
    Abstract Background: Globally, one of the key groups considered to be at high risk of acquiring HIV are transgender women, often a marginalised group. In the Malaysian context there has been a scarcity of published research relating to transgender women, a sensitive issue in a Muslim majority country, where Islam plays an influential role in society. Furthermore, there has been a paucity of research relating to how such issues relate to HIV prevention in transgender women in Malaysia. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the attitudes of stakeholders involved in HIV prevention policy in Malaysia towards transgender women, given the Islamic context. Methods: In-depth interviews were undertaken with stakeholders involved in HIV prevention, Ministry of Health, Religious Leaders and People Living with HIV, including transgender women. Thirty five participants were recruited using purposive sampling from June to December 2013 within Kuala Lumpur and surrounding vicinities. Interviews were in person, audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and used a framework analysis. Results: Five central themes emerged from the qualitative data; Perceptions of Transgender women and their place in Society; Reaching out to Transgender Women; Islamic doctrine; ‘Cure’, ‘Correction’ and finally, Stigma and Discrimination. Discussion: Islamic rulings about transgenderism were often the justification given by participants chastising transgender women, whilst there were also more progressive attitudes and room for debate. Pervasive negative attitudes and stigma and discrimination created a climate where transgender women often felt more comfortable with non-governmental organisations. Conclusion: The situation of transgender women in Malaysia and HIV prevention is a highly sensitive and challenging environment for all stakeholders, given the Muslim context and current legal system. Despite this apparent impasse, there are practically achievable areas that can be improved upon to optimise HIV prevention services and the environment for transgender women in Malaysia.
    Copyright Holder The Authors
    Copyright Year 2017
    Copyright type Creative commons
    DOI 10.1186/s12914-017-0138-y
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    Created: Wed, 01 Nov 2017, 19:21:50 JST by Cheah, Swee Neo on behalf of UNU IIGH