INTERVIEW Correction camps will not turn transgender women into “normal” men. So insists one transgender woman, who only wanted to be identified as Diana.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, the 25-year-old said there was no need for transgender people to be put into correction camps.

"Even if they burn our (women’s) clothes, we can still easily buy more clothes outside," Diana said.

Diana was one of the 17 transgenders detained by the police and the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Department in the town of Bahau last month for cross-dressing at a wedding.

"I still dress as a woman, after I came out from the prison. In fact, since my hair was shaved, I now have to wear a wig, which is worse."

Diana, who is a hairstylist, said sex reassignment surgery was not in her bucket list of things to do.

"It is because I am a Muslim. Furthermore, there is no point, since I live in Malaysia," she said, and went on to dismiss plans of migrating, adding that she was responsible for taking care of her mother.

As for her religious obligation, she said she ties her hair when praying in congregation and wears pants and a shirt, or a Baju Melayu.

Asked whether there should be a designated area for transgender people to pray, she opines that there is no need.

"It's not like transgender people go to pray wearing sexy clothes. Besides, praying and other religious duties are a personal thing. This is between you and God," Diana added.

Studied at an all-boys school

Born in Malacca, her formative years were spent in Negeri Sembilan. She then studied at an all-boys secondary school before completing her diploma in Pahang.

Diana explained that she has always felt like a woman.

"I've been like this since I was little. I liked to wear my mother’s scarves and I’ve always played with the other girls."

She was also never prohibited from doing so, said the fourth child of five siblings, who has her family’s acceptance of her situation.

"And all the kampung folk call me Diana, it is as though they consider me a woman," said Diana, who respects the local folk by not wearing a miniskirt when in the kampung.

She started taking hormones while studying for her diploma and started cross-dressing after graduation.

A normal day would see her going to work and then heading back home.

"I'm not so much of a social butterfly. I prefer to go out and then come back home if I don't have anything else to do," she said.

Part 2: 'Not all transgenders live in the lorong'

This interview was conducted by Alyaa Azhar and Ahmad Fadli KC on July 11.