Thread by @coconuts

Regarding some of the complaints we have gotten about this article from @coconutskl coconuts.co/kl/news/bn-wen… #GE14 (1)

When we wrote that the former Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri had called Robert Kuok a“tranny” we were aiming to translate his remarks as accurately as possible. To use the politically correct word “transgender” would not have been accurate. (2)

In order to convey this to our readers, we translated it as such, and included the context by adding a screencap of the incident that was recorded. We admit the language is strong, but we wanted to convey the crudeness and disrespect that the former Minister was speaking with (3)

For readers who don’t speak Bahasa, we tried to capture the accuracy of how offensive what he was saying was to anyone with sense and decency. (4)

We regret that it’s a hurtful and abusive term, but our intent was to show the sheer ignorance of the man who was saying these things. We have put the word in quotes to convey this better. (5)

Coconuts has long been a champion of the LGBT+ community and one of our core values is to promote equality and justice for all people regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or wealth. (6)

We have an entire LGBT+ section of our website and we publish regular articles ensuring that the issues and injustices faced by the community receive proper attention. (7)

We even produced a @CoconutsTV video series called # QUEER AS FUCK hosted by the drag queen Pangina Heals about the LGBT+ scene in Bangkok, and devoted an entire segment of our COCONUTS TV ON IFLIX show to the incredible Miss Tiffany Transgender Beauty Pageant. (8)

Many of our staff over the years have been and are LGBT+. We have nothing but love for this amazing community. (9)