LGBT Halloween Party In Malaysia Gets Raided. Partygoers Detained.

What was supposed to be a fun night out for LGBT partygoers at Shagrilla at RexKL quickly turned into a nightmare when the queer Halloween party got raided.

Dear Straight People,

Police raided a queer Halloween party in Kuala Lumpur, with several partygoers getting hauled up for questioning.

On 29 October, throngs of LGBTQ+ partygoers made their way to a queer Halloween party organised by Shagrilla at RexKL, an entertainment hub in Kuala Lumpur. However, what was supposed to be a fun night out quickly turned into a nightmare when police unexpectedly raided the event.

During the raid, attendees were not allowed to leave as the exits were blocked off. LGBTQ+ partygoers could only watch helplessly as the cops barked orders at them.

Original video taken down for sound reasons and identity revelation:

Queer spaces being raided? What kind of Malaysia are we creating? #shagrilla #GE15 pic.twitter.com/jzkoNOHrCD
— Jurassic Gworl (@tnahssin) October 29, 2022

According to one partygoer on Twitter, the raid lasted for over an hour and a half.

After we almost fainted next to closed exit with many crowds trying to leave. they let us go in again sat on the floor and waiting for over 1 and half hour! Can we just leave and party somewhere else fuckers ! #rexkl pic.twitter.com/XlKKOOYHJv
— Wasan+963 (@wasan_963) October 29, 2022

Several drag queens, transgender people and other party goers were hauled up and detained for questioning.

20 people are being transported to JAWI for investigation in Black Maria truck. pic.twitter.com/yNclGCpH2I
— Numan Afifi (@NumanAfifi) October 29, 2022

PERSECUTION OF LGBT+ COMMUNITY

The event organisers have clarified that the party is completely legal, with the organisers having obtained all the necessary permits to hold the party.

I’m still in complete shock with the raid at REXKL last night. Our party was permitted and we did everything we could to keep it safe.

A lot of attendees was looking forward to celebrate the Halloween weekend with us but it was unfortunately cut short by the raid. #Shagrilla
— Carmen/Sam  (@sameffrn) October 30, 2022

The raid is believed to be an attack on the LGBTQ+ community, which continues to be a heavily marginalised group in Malaysia. The shocking raid on a queer Halloween party in Malayia have sparked outrage and widespread condemnation.

Notable public figures and organisations such as Charles Santiago and Pemuda Sosialis have condemned the senseless raid.

The REXKL raid clearly shows that the LGBTQ+ community continues to be targeted by authorities. This is harassment against a marginalised community. When will we learn to respect and accept people for who they are? (1/4) https://t.co/Czg0dMX2ZR
— Charles Santiago (@mpklang) October 30, 2022

Not only is the raid at #REXKL a clear attack on the LGBT+ community, it also highlights the role the state plays when it chooses to use repressive apparatuses to persecute marginalised groups in this country.
— Pemuda Sosialis (@pemudaPSM) October 29, 2022

According to community organiser Numan Afifi, everyone who was detained during the raid have been bailed out.

We managed to quickly get 20 volunteers to bail them out. Looks like all might be released tonight and not remanded until tomorrow. Thank you for your support and solidarity ✊
— Numan Afifi (@NumanAfifi) October 29, 2022

Support Dear Straight People On Patreon

Contrary to popular belief, content creation takes up considerable time, effort and resources. Dear Straight People needs the support of the community in order for it to continue running.