Malaysian Government Replaces 'LGBT' Term with 'Deviant Culture'

• The Malaysian government will stop using the term “LGBT” and replace it with “budaya songsang,” meaning “deviant culture” in Malay.
• Officials claim the change aims to disrupt online algorithms and prevent the “normalization” of LGBTQ+ identities.
• Human rights organizations condemn the move as a state-sponsored escalation of hostility and dehumanization toward the community.

Political Context

• Deputy Minister Marhamah Rosli stated that repeating the term “LGBT” unknowingly promotes the culture online.
• Analysts suggest Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is using this rhetoric to appease conservative Islamist coalition partners ahead of upcoming general elections.
• Critics argue that the administration is prioritizing the policing of identity over addressing urgent issues like government corruption.

Recent Crackdowns

• 307 LGBTQ+ individuals were arrested under federal and state laws in 2025 alone.
• Between 2020 and May 2025, 13 publications featuring LGBTQ+ themes were officially banned.
• In January 2026, the Sultan of Selangor banned all “LGBTQ+ activities,” leading to the cancellation of wellness programs.
• In May, police detained 51 men in Kuala Lumpur during a raid on a purported “drug-fuelled gay party.”

Impact on the Community

• An Amnesty International report found nearly 48% of LGBTQ+ respondents practice self-censorship for safety reasons.
• Activists warn the “deviant” label provides a veneer of state legitimacy for hate and discrimination.
• Community groups like SEED report a shift toward increased caution, heightened risk awareness, and strictly monitored public communication to avoid further targeting.