Queer as Punk

Being queer in Malaysia carries considerable risks. In this Islamic country, deviating from the heteronormative is punishable by law, so gender-fluid people can only be themselves in subcultures—in the music scene, for example, where the queer punk band Shh…Diam! (Malay for “shut up”) forms a chosen family for its members.

Malaysian director Yihwen Chen follows three of them—lead singer Faris and musicians Yon and Yoyo—over several years, during which Malaysia's political landscape seems to be changing. Despite the repression, the three dare to be unapologetically themselves on stage, hurling their truths at the audience with energy, intelligence and pitch-black humor. There are discussions about politics, coming out, hormones, transition, music, love and friendship.

We see them travel abroad for gigs, and the coronavirus pandemic is also documented—yet another obstacle for the band. Nevertheless, optimism and courage prevail in Queer as Punk, which testifies to the power of love both for yourself and for others, and the unstoppable urge to be who you are.