A pro-LGBTQ+ group has announced that it will proceed with its “Glamping With Pride” programme in Hulu Langat next weekend, despite objections from Selangor PAS.
Jejaka stressed that the two-day programme is a community-based retreat focused on wellbeing, peer support, and health awareness.
The NGO also pointed out that such activities do not breach the law.
"It involves lawful camping activities at a registered venue and does not violate any law. Camping, gathering and community education are legal activities in this country.
"At a time when Malaysians are grappling with far more pressing national issues, including cost of living pressures, corruption and public health, it is deeply disappointing to see political energy directed toward demonising a small group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in Malaysia for spending time in nature," the group said in a statement.
According to Jejaka, LGBTQ+ people are existing peacefully in the country and are not a threat to public order.
The event, it added, involves a limited and vetted participation, with the venue disclosed only to confirmed participants for safety and to ensure no public disruption.
"We will carry on with our activities as planned, in full compliance with the law.
"For those who remain curious or concerned: camping is legal, community programmes are legal, and there is nothing clandestine about people gathering to care for one another.
"As for the location - good luck finding it. And if you do happen to be nearby, you are welcome to say hello. Community is not something to fear," Jejaka said.
‘Perverse lifestyle’
Yesterday, Selangor PAS Youth mobilised its members to lodge police reports against the LGBTQ+ glamping event and called on the authorities to investigate.
Its chief, Sukri Omar, said the programme is openly promoting a "perverse lifestyle" and normalising a gender ideology that goes against religious values, culture and the country's legal framework.
"Malaysia is not a country without values. The Federal Constitution places Islam as the religion of the federation, while Malaysian social norms are built upon the foundations of morality, family, and social well-being.
"The organising of such a programme is not merely an issue of freedom. It touches on matters of public order, societal morals, social security, and the protection of the younger generation.
"Even more concerning is the presence of elements of propaganda promoting a deviant lifestyle in an open, organised manner and through social influence,” he said in a statement on Facebook.
"I urge the relevant authorities to immediately investigate the organisation of this programme and to take firm action without compromise," he added.
HIV Hunger Games?
Critics on social media have also pointed out the existence of the “HIV Hunger Games” outlined in the event’s promotional poster, further raising eyebrows.
However, Jejaka founder and president Numan Afifi explained that the activity’s main aims were instead focused on raising awareness and de-stigmatising HIV.
“HIV Hunger Games is actually just a game-based learning activity. Think something like laser tag, but with water guns, using coloured water.
“Participants get ‘immunity’ by answering simple questions linked to health and HIV, so it’s more playful than competitive.
“The whole point is to desensitise HIV as a topic… to take it out of fear, shame and hushed conversations,” he told Malaysiakini. - Mkini
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