This sense of loneliness is something Sam, an elderly Kuala Lumpur-based gay man, knows so well. This will push them further into isolation,” he told FMT. Yet, most care facilities may not be able to accept LGBTQ older adults because of stigma and discrimination. “They may end up in care or nursing homes, especially when they do not have children, partners, and family members to look after them. Ismail, a former social studies professor at Universiti Utara Malaysia, said a life alone had left many members of the community unable to take care of themselves in their twilight years. Social activist Ismail Baba said the lack of social and legal recognition for the LGBTQ population, and discrimination by society, had led them to live in isolation. Otherwise, I’d rather spend time by myself,” he told FMT. I would make myself available if there are any invitations to visit. To me, Hari Raya is just like any other day, with no more excitement, unlike during my childhood days. “I had no particular plan to celebrate Hari Raya.
