We visited Malaysia, where it's illegal to be gay

Should LGBT tourists visit Malaysia? That's the question we sought to answer during our recent trip to Kuala Lumpur. In this video, we'll explain the history and current situation for LGBT travelers and provide some advice and tips for sensible precautions to help you enjoy your trip.

Malaysia's anti-sodomy laws date back to the time of British colonization. These are enforced with brutal punishments, such as public caning. But meanwhile the country is eager to attract gay and lesbian tourists and so has had to walk a delicate line. As we found out, it is reasonably safe for LGBT tourists to visit Kuala Lumpur as long as they follow some sensible precautions.

And the city is well worth visiting. Its numerous landmarks, such as the National Mosque, the Petronas Towers (which you might know from the movie Entrapment), the KL Tower, the Butterfly Park, and the Aviary, all make this a fascinating city that's well worth a look.

00:00 Should gay people go to Kuala Lumpur?
01:45 Matt Healy and the 1975
02:46 History of Anti-Sodomy Laws
03:50 Enforcement of the Law Today
05:28 Sensible Precautions
07:28 Things to do in KL
10:17 Would we go back?