However, the transgender community is often rejected, or subjected to ridicule and discrimination, with societal acceptance a faraway dream for them.

While this is a tragic state of affairs, there are thankfully some Malaysians who respect the need for kindness and understanding for their trans kin.

Artist Sack Tin Lim, 33, is one of them. His first solo exhibition “Un/Hidden Identities: Painting Lives” sheds light on the often-unseen and often-ignored trans community in Malaysia.

Largely composed of portraits of trans individuals, this project has been in the works since November last year.

During this time, Sack spent several weeks at a transgender shelter home, speaking to its residents, learning their stories as well as painting their portraits.

By his own admission, it was a deeply enlightening and emotional experience for him. The Subang-based Sabahan shared his story during a recent chat with FMT Lifestyle.

“Since young, I have found trans people fascinating. Their flamboyant mannerisms prompted a mix of fascination and unfamiliarity,” he said, speaking of the trans community in his hometown of Kota Kinabalu and how they defied gender norms.

For Sack, questions of identity are important to him, and he drew parallels between his life and that of trans folks.

“The purpose of this exhibition is for me to paint parallels; I am seeing their struggles and stories, and painting them on the canvas.”

Sack said the trans community is unfairly stigmatised by a society that often condemns them.

“I want to paint alongside them as an ally who really appreciates and respects their identity. I am holding their hands and painting their portraits. I paint with empathy.”

Each and every one of the twenty pieces of art depicts a real-life trans individual, largely women; most of whom live at a trans community shelter at an undisclosed location.

There was some initial awkwardness when Sack approached the residents. “At first, it was like painting a stranger. They didn’t know me, I didn’t know them.”

Over time though, both sides’ nervousness abated, and the artist and his subjects grew closer.

“I think we bonded and we became friends. In a way, I am painting my friends. When we started, we were strangers. And now, we are friends, family, people whom I love.”

Like with any project, there were challenges. The shelter was located far from Sack’s studio and he had to move his equipment around with him.

Additionally, Sack could only travel to the shelter on weekends as he lectures full-time on weekdays.

“Just to get to the shelter required four hours of my day,” he recalled. Dependent on public transportation, Sack often had to wake up early to reach the shelter by nine.

Since Sack had limited time each day to paint each subject, it took about seven months to complete all the paintings currently on display.

During his time there, Sack found that like Malaysia, the trans community is more diverse than one might think.

“It actually enriches the culture of Malaysia,” he claimed. “Because they are marginalised, they are often hidden and excluded. So, what I see is a different side of their community. They are just like any one of us human beings. They deserve to be seen and respected.”

Sack remembered how delighted many of his trans friends were when he showed them their completed portraits.

“Some of the residents were asking when I was going to come back. They even call me their ‘anak’. It’s something that is very meaningful to me.”

Given the current political and cultural climate, one might wonder if Sack is concerned for his own wellbeing.

When asked, Sack insisted that he is no activist. “I’m merely an artist and this is just how I see them through my current lens. I just want to bring and share their voice, to show society their shared struggles. I just want them to be seen. There’s no activism here.”

Thus, it is Sack’s hope that people will take a good look at these portraits and learn something new.

“Just come in and enjoy it for yourself. See their portraits and hear their stories. Look at the beautiful diversity and identity of trans people.”

‘Un/Hidden Identities: Painting Lives’ is on display until Aug 19 at G13 gallery.

G13 Gallery
Kelana Square
GL13, Ground Floor Block B
Jalan SS 7/26
47301 Petaling Jaya
Selangor