"Queer without fear" is festival slogan

The Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM) is echoing the concern voiced by PT Foundation and other Malaysian LGBT activists over the blanket ban imposed by police on Seksualiti Merdeka (‘sexuality independence’), an annual festival held in the capital Kuala Lumpur.

This year's event was due to take place 1-13 November under the theme “Queer without Fear”, advocating for equal rights and human dignity for LGBT communities, with the participation of leading NGOs, artists and activists.  However, police declared a ban on the event just as it was about to get underway, a move supported by some Islamic groups in this Muslim nation who say the event promotes homosexuality.

Event organizers and supporters point out that the event advocates for the rights and well-being of LGBT individuals, and is an important vehicle to raise HIV awareness and strengthen health-seeking behaviour in a country where the epidemic continues to spread among vulnerable populations including men who have sex with men.

APCOM calls upon Malaysian authorities to lift the ban which effectively contributes to the significant stigma and discrimination that continues to affect MSM and other vulnerable communities in Malaysia because of sexual orientation and gender identity. Stigma is a key driver of the HIV globally and regionally, lying at the heart of the challenge in tackling the epidemic.  If Malaysian authorities are to address HIV effectively, and fulfill the country's global obligations in this regard, actions such as the ban on Seksuality Merdeka will significantly hinder, not help, these efforts.

Download the complete PDF of this APCOM Media Advisory, with contact information.

See also related news stories:

• MSMGF Calls on Malaysian Authorities to Lift Ban on Seksualiti Merdeka Festival
• PT Foundation concerned by the ban on Seksualiti Merdeka
• Panel says no to ban and all forms of harassment
• Seksualiti Merdeka 2011 festival website (for other releases and stories)