• A Malaysian minister claims work stress can lead to LGBTQ identities, sparking widespread outrage.
• Minister Zulkifli Hasan's parliamentary comments are seen as part of government repression against sexual minorities.
• Social media backlash includes humor and critique of the minister's logic.
• The rhetoric reflects broader societal attitudes and legal challenges faced by the LGBTQ community in Malaysia.
• Advocates call for retraction of the minister's statements, asserting that sexual orientation is natural and not influenced by stress.

A Malaysian minister has become the subject of ridicule after asserting that stress from work may lead individuals to embrace non-heterosexual identities. This claim, made by Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan, occurred during a parliamentary session and has sparked a significant backlash across Malaysia's vibrant social media landscape. He outlined various factors, such as “societal influence, sexual experiences, work stress and other personal factors,” in a written reply to questions from lawmakers about the causes of LGBTQ identities, citing a *2017 study by Sulaiman et al.* that he claims links these elements to increased LGBTQ behaviors, according to SCMP, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

The immediate online response to Zulkifli's assertion was laden with humor and skepticism, highlighting the absurdity of his statement. Comments flooded social media, with one user sarcastically stating, “By this logic, I’m genuinely shocked my entire office isn’t gay by now.” Others drew parallels between the minister's claims and the perceived lack of effort from elected representatives in parliament. This satirical approach illustrates the public's discontent with the government's stance on LGBTQ issues, as advocates express concern over potential state-sanctioned repression and misinformation being propagated by officials, according to SCMP, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

LGBTQ rights activists have condemned Zulkifli's remarks, arguing that they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discriminatory narratives. The minister's comments align with a broader trend of repression against the LGBTQ community in Malaysia, where same-sex acts remain criminalized under outdated federal laws. Thilaga Sulathireh, a representative from the LGBTQ rights group Justice for Sisters, emphasized that such misinformation not only undermines the valid existence of diverse sexual orientations but also poses dangers to the community's well-being. Thilaga called for the minister to retract and clarify his statements, emphasizing that “diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity is completely natural,” according to SCMP, India Times, and Channel News Asia.

This controversy comes at a time when LGBTQ rights in Malaysia are particularly fragile. Recent events, including the cancellation of a camping retreat promoting LGBTQ support due to intimidation from authorities, further highlight the challenges faced by these communities. Organizations attempting to foster awareness and build networks have come under increasing scrutiny and pressure, as demonstrated by the need to cancel the “Glamping With Pride” event following threats. Such repression directly impacts the safety and mental health of LGBTQ individuals, who already face significant stigma and legal obstacles in Malaysia, according to SCMP, India Times, and Channel News Asia.