SEED Foundation was established in 2014 and is the first and only trans* led community-based organization in Malaysia. It prioritizes engagement with transgender issues with a specific focus on the community of Chow Kit, a well-known red-light district in Kuala Lumpur.
SEED has already established a drop-in center: the only safe space for trans* persons in Kuala Lumpur, which served more than 2,000 trans* people over the years. SEED found that trans* elderly people face difficulties if they want to make use of general shelter facilities, because these shelters require their clients to have their appearance resemble the gender stated on their ID-card.
This means that trans* women can not be themselves, and would have to cut their hair short and dress like a man to be able to live in the shelter. With our funding, SEED Foundation will open a shelter for elderly trans* people. The shelter will also provide space for peer support, as well as workshops on trans* related issues.
