Is Malaysia hostile to gay couples?
May 26th, 2005, 04:48 PM
#1
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Is Malaysia hostile to gay couples?
We (a gay gouple) are tentatively planning a trip to Malaysia this summer. We know that the prime minister is hostile to gays, but wonder whether, as tourists, we will encounter anti-gay prejudice. We're not looking for a gay "scene" but wonder, for instance, how a hotel like the P & O, or a hotel in the Cameron Highlands, would react to our sharing a bed.
May 26th, 2005, 06:11 PM
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Personally, I don't think it's anyone else's business whether you share a bed or not. But, unfortunately, in some cases, other people do make it their business.
As a general recommendation for Asia, all couples, regardless of whether they are 2 men, 2 women, or one of each...everyone, should reserve affectionate gestures for private places. It tends to make people uncomfortable to watch any sort of blatant sexual overture.
I'm not sure about the climate in Malaysia, and I've never been there. In Bali, though, on our recent trip, we made the acquaintance of a lovely couple of men from Brazil who had been vacationing in Bali for 15 years without any problems. They had many Balinese friends, one of whom was our friend too, and introduced us.
As a general recommendation for Asia, all couples, regardless of whether they are 2 men, 2 women, or one of each...everyone, should reserve affectionate gestures for private places. It tends to make people uncomfortable to watch any sort of blatant sexual overture.
I'm not sure about the climate in Malaysia, and I've never been there. In Bali, though, on our recent trip, we made the acquaintance of a lovely couple of men from Brazil who had been vacationing in Bali for 15 years without any problems. They had many Balinese friends, one of whom was our friend too, and introduced us.
May 26th, 2005, 11:33 PM
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There're gays in Malaysia too. It's just not the social norm to show blatant physical gestures in public, even amongst heterosexual couples. Having said that, 2 guys or 2 girls sharing a room is not out of ordinary especially when they are travellers. So relax and enjoy your time in Malaysia.
May 27th, 2005, 07:42 AM
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As long as you are discreet, you'll be fine. No one is likely to question you sharing a room/bed. In my experience, any show of affection (not just blatant physical gestures) are considered in poor taste in many Asia countires - no holding hands, no kissing in public, etc. for both gay and straight couples.
May 29th, 2005, 11:26 PM
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When you say the Maysian PM is hostile to gays, are you thinking of a few years back when the former PM, Dr Mahathir Mohamed, had a political opponent jailed on trumped-up sodomy charges? I think that was pure politics rather than an indication of widespread anti-gay feeling. Of course, the fact that the legal system allowed such punishment may give you pause for thought.
May 31st, 2005, 12:27 AM
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Hy DLK;
I just arrived back from a 3 weeks holiday to HongKong and Borneo (malaysia) - we (me- female and my boyfriend, and our two friends - two male friends). We didn't encounter trouble what so every. Our friends shared a room - there was no remarks or questions about that, most of the time they had rooms with twin beds and once even with a double bed. We all don't really live out our affection in the public, besides holding hands and some kisses. But I didn't see any malaysian gay couples holding hands or kissing.
General I would say just don't worry about it - I don't think any hotel will refuse you stay share a room together.
greetings.
I just arrived back from a 3 weeks holiday to HongKong and Borneo (malaysia) - we (me- female and my boyfriend, and our two friends - two male friends). We didn't encounter trouble what so every. Our friends shared a room - there was no remarks or questions about that, most of the time they had rooms with twin beds and once even with a double bed. We all don't really live out our affection in the public, besides holding hands and some kisses. But I didn't see any malaysian gay couples holding hands or kissing.
General I would say just don't worry about it - I don't think any hotel will refuse you stay share a room together.
greetings.
