Acknowledgements

This report was researched and written by Neela Ghoshal, senior researcher in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Rights Program at Human Rights Watch. It was reviewed by Boris Dittrich, advocacy director of the LGBT Rights Program; Phil Robertson, deputy director of the Asia Division; Mickey Spiegel, senior adviser in the Asia Division; Janet Walsh, deputy director of the Women’s Rights Program; Aruna Kashyap, senior researcher in the Women’s Rights Program; Joseph Amon, director of the Health and Human Rights Division; James Ross, Legal and Policy Director; and Joseph Saunders, deputy program director. 

Adam Frankel, associate in the LGBT Rights Program at Human Rights Watch, provided editorial and production coordination and formatted the report. Additional production assistance was provided by Kathy Mills, publications specialist, Grace Choi, publications director, and Fitzroy Hepkins, mail manager. Javad Tizmaghz took the photos for this report.

This report grew out of discussions with members of the trans community in Malaysia, who encouraged Human Rights Watch to produce this report, identified areas of concern, helped shape the design and execution of the research, and reviewed the draft text. We are particularly indebted to Thilaga Sulathireh for her generous assistance with research, interpretation of interviews, and review of the report. Nisha Ayub of Justice for Sisters and Raymond Tai provided invaluable guidance in shaping our research. Aston Paiva and Nizam Bashir assisted with legal analysis and feedback. Danisha Monish and Hezreen Shaik Daud helped us to connect with interview subjects and to better understand the context facing transwomen outside of Kuala Lumpur. We are also grateful to Transgender Europe (TGEU) for sharing information on laws criminalizing transgender people in Malaysia and other parts of the world.