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Mak Nyah ([ˈmaʔ ˈɲa]), alternatively spelled maknyah, is a Malay vernacular[1] term for trans women in Malaysia. It arose in the late 1980s in order to distinguish trans women from other minorities.[2]
The name is preferred by Malaysian trans women as opposed to various derogatory terms (namely, pondan and bapok), which were previously used by Sarawakians when referring to transsexuals and cross-dressers.[1] These are also considered slurs, which are variously directed to gay men as well as transgender individuals.[citation needed] Though less used, the term pak nyah is sometimes used for trans men, and the hybrid term mak-pak nyah for all transgender individuals.[citation needed]
- ^ a b Caesar DeAlwis; Maya Khemlani David. "Language and Identity of Malay Teenage Mak Nyah (Transvestites) in Kuching" (PDF). repository.um.edu.my. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
- ^ "The Mak Nyahs of Malaysia: Testimony of Four Transgender Women" (PDF). equalrightstrust.org. Equal Rights Trust. Retrieved 1 February 2015.