Malaysia's LGBTQ Forum Shut Down Amid Growing Conservatism

Wed Oct 22 2025 07:29:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A planned LGBTQ-themed forum in Malaysia faced backlash from both the public and government, showcasing rising religious conservatism.

In Malaysia, a forum intended to address LGBTQ topics was recently canceled following public outcry and government criticism, underscoring the influence of conservative values in the country’s politics.

A planned forum focused on LGBTQ topics in Malaysia has been canceled due to intense public backlash and criticism from government officials, reflecting a growing trend of religious conservatism in the country. The event, titled "Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness," was organized by a youth wing of a minor opposition party and set to take place next month.

Its announcement sparked a viral reaction on social media, attracting hateful comments and threats, which prompted the organizers to reconsider. Malaysia's political landscape has shifted, especially with the influence of the conservative Islamist party, Parti Islam SeMalaysia, in Parliament. This party has pressured Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government to adopt stricter positions regarding LGBTQ issues.

In a previous CNN interview, Anwar acknowledged a divide on public acceptance of LGBTQ individuals but opposed harassment against them. The cancellation of the forum was publicly condemned by the government's religious affairs minister, Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who described the gathering as promoting a “deviant culture,” further exemplifying the challenges faced by LGBTQ communities in Malaysia.