Malaysia rebrands ‘LGBT’ as ‘Deviant Culture’, raising fears for queer rights

Malaysia’s government has moved to replace the term “LGBT” in official usage with the Malay phrase “budaya songsang”, meaning “deviant culture”, a shift that has alarmed human rights and LGBTQ+ organisations.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Marhamah Rosli, explained in Parliament that the change is intended to influence online algorithms and reduce the visibility of LGBTQ+ content. “The more we utter, write, or state [‘LGBT’], the more ‘pop-out’ content related to it will appear,” she said in February, adding that this would help prevent the “normalisation” of queer culture.

Malaysia’s LGBTQ+ communities already live under repressive legal frameworks. Consensual anal sex between men or between men and women is criminalised under federal law, carrying penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, caning, fines and deportation. Under State Shariah laws, same-sex relations between Muslims, including lesbian relationships, are criminal offences in every state and federal territory except Pahang. There are no nationwide protections against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, and there is no legal provision to change one’s gender marker.

Justice for Sisters, a Malaysian LGBTQ+ advocacy group, recorded 307 arrests of queer people under federal and state provisions in 2025 alone. Responding to the government’s rebranding of “LGBT”, the group warned that the language shift has serious implications. “‘Budaya songsang’ dehumanises LGBT people, fuels misinformation, and reinforces the dangerous belief that LGBT people should be ‘corrected,’” the organisation said in a statement. “It contributes directly to violence, discrimination, and violations of dignity and equality under Articles 5 and 8 of the Federal Constitution.”

Amnesty International Malaysia also condemned the move. Campaigner Qistina Johari stated: “We strongly condemn this appalling decision by the government. When public officials label LGBTI people as ‘deviant’, they are legitimising hate and discrimination against a highly vulnerable group. Words from those in power carry weight and real-world consequences.”

LGBTQ+ advocates in Malaysia and abroad are calling for stronger international solidarity, more visible corporate allyship and practical support for affected communities. For many professionals and allies seeking safer networks, inclusive employers and global advocacy opportunities, joining platforms like myGwork offers a way to connect, organise and stand with LGBTQ+ people facing state-sponsored stigma; signing up can be one concrete step toward that support.