Private Project

Qeluar (Out)

Expelled from Malaysia, the UK's first LGBTQ asylum recipient recounts a journey marked by ousting, disownment, and the quest for acceptance.

  • Justice Khor
    Director
    lonesome (a Malaysian LGBTQ+ voicemail documentary), Malaysians Read LGBT Stories
  • Warren Christopher Hallett
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes 53 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English, Malay
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Goldsmiths, University of London
Director Biography - Justice Khor

Justice Khor
(He, him, his)

- Queer Malaysian documentary filmmaker & LGBTQ activist.
- Vice President of PLUHO (People Like Us Hang Out!).
- MA Filmmaking (Screen Documentary), Goldsmiths, University of London.

Winner:
- Documentary Staff Choice Award, Sarasota Film Festival, Youth Programme
- Battling Racism in Malaysia: Innovation towards Unity Grant, Pusat KOMAS
- Social Impact Grant for Malaysia CSOs, Freedom Film Network
- YSEALI Bootcamp

Scholarships:
- Global UGRAD Scholar 2017
- Chevening Scholar 2022

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

“You must meet Warren!” That’s what many of my fellow LGBTQ activists in Malaysia insisted when they learned I’d be studying in London. They didn’t introduce him as the first LGBTQ refugee in the UK, but as the person to go to if you’re queer, Malaysian, and homesick.

Being queer in Malaysia, a country that prosecutes and discriminates against LGBTQ people - is a constant struggle. Yet, for many of us, Malaysia is home. Warren remains Malaysian at heart, and when we met, we found solace in our shared queer solitude. My homesickness faded the moment I met him.

Growing up we were both overwhelmed by negative narratives about the LGBTQ community. For me, this fueled a mission to create authentic, affirming representations of Malaysian queer lives. For Warren, it inspired a commitment to to create a support network for Malaysian queer people.

What happened to Warren is both heartbreaking and, sadly, not uncommon for LGBTQ Malaysians. While many who endure such journeys opt not to share their stories, Warren has reached a place of healing where he’s ready to tell his story - on his terms.

Through Qeluar, we hope fewer queer Malaysians grow up feeling the way we did.