KOTA KINABALU: A transgender has stepped into the LGBT debate saying they just want to be respected as human being and be a part of society “even if some don’t accept us.”
Megan Steven (pic) admits it is hard for the community to be totally accepted in this country.
“Being an activist, I give support and advice to those who are in the same group.
“We want to be part of society who are able to contribute positively and economically. We also have our role to play. Instead, we are being discriminated badly.
“If some say being a transgender is sinful, how do they know we are going to hell?” asked Megan, 28. Megan was among a few transgenders joining the solidarity rally in conjunction with International Women’s day recently at Kota Kinabalu.
Megan is her original name given by her parents since birth. She does not need to change her name to suit her new ‘status’ as she is comfortable with it.
“I am fortunate to be given this name and I love it even after I have changed my status,” she said.
While working in a pet store in nation’s capital in 2014, Megan developed a love for animals.
Looking after pets such as dogs and cats and caring them just like how she treats other people left her happy and satisfied.
“Having rescued 200-300 dogs and cats from streets, how do you define or assume whether it is bad or good? Are we not contributing good the society by being caring towards animals? she asked.
She sometimes used her salary to pay for the medication of sick or injured stray cats and dogs.
As an activist, she wanted to inspire many more people out there to be true to themselves and be good citizen of the country.
Megan’s latest job was with a tour agency, also in Kuala Lumpur, doing reservation work. On some quarters viewing them as sex object or viewing them negatively, Megan said.
“I am immune to this kind of treatment. As long as I am doing good and not going against the law, I am good. I continue giving talks and bringing as much awareness as possible. I am on the right track,” she said.
Being Sabahan, Megan decided to come back and still continue doing tour-related tasks on part time basis.
“I decided to come back and look after my sick grandmother who is 81.
Megan has appeared in many talk shows and radio station interviews to talk about the subject she is passionate with. Megan’s dad is supportive of her move.
“Over the years my father saw me inspiring more people and he believed in my vocation.
But in the early years, before my ‘transformation’ my family could not take it.
There was one time, dad cut (with scissors) everything I owned such as wigs, dresses, skirts into half, to protest my plan to change my status.
But it is my calling and it had been with me when I was a little child. I have yearned to be a girl since at young age and there were so many indications towards that too,” Megan said.
