identity

of
IDENTITY
XPRESSION
a
EXPRESSION
of
b
IDENTITY
1
Expression of Identity
© Suara kita 2014
Author : Suara Kita Team
(Hartoyo, Supriyatna, Rikky Muchammad, Teguh Iman)
Editor : Prodita K Sabarani
Curator Photo : Clara
Manager Production: Hartoyo
Production:
Rikky Muchammad, Supriyatna, Teguh Iman, Sussana Magiyuani, Titiana Adinda
Design and Layout : Cyprianus Jaya Napiun
Publisher:
Perkumpulan Suara Kita
Size : 21 x 15 cm | 92 page
ISBN
:978-602-1201-19-0
An Introduction
The pictures featured in this exhibition are mini “depictions” of million lives of those who are marginalized
socially, culturally, and politically in Indonesia. People call them “waria”, transgender, social women, penile
human, or with no particular calling at all. They do not come from the West, but they were born and grew up,
part of Indonesian children.
The photo compilation is the second book of Suara Kita, previously published as “Sesuai Kata Hati,
Pengalaman 7 Waria.” In addition to Suara Kita’s photo collection series, the pictures included in this book
were selected during Suara Kita photo story contest to observe the International Day Agaist HomophobiaTransphobia (IDAHOT), which is commemmorated every 17 May since its initial celebration in 2006 in Canada.
We hope the 14-theme photo story would inspire us to take a glance and understand our diversity, without
having to fear of being discriminated. Because our identity is complemented by the identity of other individual,
the diversity.
ourvoice.lgbtiq@gmail.com
Suara Kita
@suarakita_ov
To Diversity!
Suara Kita Team
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Identity-Trans
Transgender people have been a part of our history. Indonesians call them in various names: waria, banci,
bencong, wandu, wadam, bissu, all of which have their own particular meaning. Almost no one never meets
transgender people in his/her lifetime as they may be present in working place, public area, even a family
member, friend or acquintance. Often, many individuals perceive transgender people negatively and, therefore,
refuse to recognize their existence and some even refuse or ignore them completely. Consequently, transgender
people are in quasi existence; they are there but invisible.
Still other respond by staring at transgender people, with condescending look. Transgender people, who are
not fit into man-woman dichotomy, are seen as a contrasting image to show the “real” man or woman. Another
group view transgender people in a more normative way. They perceive transgender people as a sick group
who need to be cured, saved, or punished in order to get them on the right track. These responses stand on
the same pedestal: viewing transgender people as “the other” which disturbs the “normality” construct.
Discrimination view toward transgender people makes their rights more vulnerable as citizens, with no equal
rights to express, to worship, to be protected and to have health, education and economic access, to be
represented and represent politically. Transgender people become a main target of violence and their basic
human rights are virtually removed as human beings.
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In fact, “normality” itself is an ever-changing social construct. Histories of the world and this archipelago have
shown that sexuality constructs were diversed and complex. Transgender people are the element of sexual
diversity. This book can be considered a “revelation” for that reason.
Photo essays compiled in the book visually present the multidimensional life of transgender people in a very
natural way. Through this book, transgender people no longer become a category but rather individuals in
their daily routines, in various poses, as a little sister, a mother or an elderly who recounts the past. They are
depicted as a dignified Hindu, a member of church congregation, or a member of Islamic boarding school who
seek spiritual intimacy with the Creator.
The photo essays represent individual names, faces, in various expressions that it is difficult to stereotype them
or to make generalization. The magnitude of their diversity is vast, ranging from street musician to glamorous
urban individual; from social activist to beauty pageant finalist. The pictures inevitably show that sexual
identity—which is not an important matter for most people—is still a major issue for transgender group, due
to discrimination and violence they often experience. We can obviously see how poverty and rejection of her
family has put Rika to become a sex worker to survive. We can see how Emmy reluctantly removes her fake
eyelashes to hug her conservative brother.
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At the same time, we can all see how human beings—beyond class, social, and gender boundaries—hold
hand in hand. There is Mama Yuli who offers job, a priest and an Islamic cleric who preach God’s compassion
to those who are marginalized. Most importantly, although structural discrepancy is quietly implied in these
photos, the individuals depicted here are not victims of discrimination—but survivors. The colorful photo essays
tell day-to-day life of transgender people, not only in a very touching way but also full of laughter, smile, and
brightness.
The photo essays are beyond words to describe. Each snapshot visually tells a story and aesthetically depicts
human body, sexuality and form with its own uniqueness, tone, and will surely tease up your awareness. The
book of identity expression elevates the real life of transgender people, who have long been invisible and
ignored, into a reflection of life.
Melani Budianta
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Contents
AN INTRODUCTION — Suara Kita
IDENTITY-TRANS — Melani Budianta
3
5-7
10 - 15
16 - 23
METAMORPHOSIS OF RIKA— Vitalis Yogi Trisna
MISS WARIA PAGEANT — Rina Hartami
TIA’S SINCERE ACT TOWARD HER TRANSGENDER SISTER — Komala Sari Dewi
30 - 33
THE REMAINING LIFE — Dian Ardiahanni 34 - 39
THE ABSENCE OF STATE TO US — Ulfa Kasim 40 - 45
24 - 29
TRANSGENDER CHRISTMAS — Vitalis Yogi Trisna
DEWIQ: FEMALE REINCARNATION — Hartoyo
46 - 51
FOUNDER OF TRANSGENDER ISLAMIC BOARDING SCHOOL WENT UMROH — Hartoyo
THE DRESSING ROOM — Rikky M.Fajar
58 - 65
TRANSGENDER, EQUAL RIGHTS, AND KAMISAN RALLY — Guhtee Gaidar
SINGING IN THE STREET — Hartoyo
BALI JOE AND FACE BAR — Hartoyo
66 - 71
72 - 79
80 - 83
MISS WARIA REMAJA : BEHIND THE STAGE — Rina Hartami
8
52 - 57
84 - 89
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Metamorphosis of Rika
The 23-year-old Rika is a transgender who works daily
as sex worker. Although she has been diagnosed as
HIV+ six years ago, Rika is still attached to her sex
business as it’s not easy to find another job. Rika who
holds elementary school diploma went to Jakarta to
avoid humiliation and rejection from her neighbors and
family members. To survive, Rika, who was 13, began
working as sex worker.
“I don’t think no one wants to live like I do.
Sometimes I get tired of my life, but I had to go
through this,” said Rika.
Rika working as sex worker around Ciledug area,
Tangerang, Monday (2/12/2013)
10
è
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“Almost all transgender people in Indonesia have similar
problem; Discriminated by their own relatives and
society, forcing them to get away from family as well as
formal education, and eventually becoming sex workers
to survive,” said Mami Yuli.
Rika (23 years old) after finishing make-up in her
boarding room in Fatmawati area, South Jakarta,
Wednesday (27/11/2014).
è
Rika (23 years old) in her boarding room in
Fatmawati area, South Jakarta, Monday
(25/11/2014).
12
è
13
Rika’s intention to reshape her life began when
joining FKWI, a nonprofit organization for
transgender to support each other.
14
è
Yulianus Rettoblaut or popularly known as
Mami Yuli, FKWI president, employs Rika 3
hours a day as administrative staff to take
care documents and schedules of FKWI
members. Even though she has no other
dream to pursue, Rika is undergoing a
metamorphosis.
Rika with Mami Yuli (left) in Indonesia Transgender
Communication Forum (FKWI) office, Tuesday
(26/11/2013). Rika works both as a sex worker and an
administrative staff in FKWI.
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Miss Wa r ia Pa g e a n t
Miss Waria Pageant
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A contestant is being put a make up in the dressing room
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A transgender singer
is preparing herself in
the dressing before
the opening of Miss
Waria pageant
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Contestants
are changing
costumes in the
bathroom
The opening of Miss Waria pageant, participated by 21
transgender contestants
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The Jakarta Teen Miss Waria Pageant was successfully held in GOR Grogol, West
Jakarta, Friday (7/12/2012) night. As many as 21 contestants from in and around
Jakarta participated in the pageant, amid fundamentalists’ threat since a similar
pageant, held in Kuningan area, Jakarta, had to be dismissed due to FPI threat. It was
the fourth year of Jakarta Teen Miss Waria pageant, for contestants below 30 years old.
The pageant was attended by over 200 transgeder individuals and started at 07.00 pm.
Contestants were wearing casual clothing first and then changed into night gown and
were given questions from the panelists.
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Contestants are walking down the stage during the pageant
As many as 21 contestants from in an
d around Jakarta
participated in the pageant, amid fund
amentalists’
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23
Tia’s Sincere Act toward Her Transgender Sister
To meet her sister, Emy
has to remove feminine
attributes
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“The biggest happiness is to be warmly welcomed by family,” said Amdes Simatupang, recently known as
Emy Mades. Emy is a transgender from Sibolga, North Sumatera who went to Bogor, West Java to fight
for her identity. Emy has a sister, Tia Mariana, who lives in the nearby Jakarta. Tia loves Emy so much and
accepts Emy’s identity as transgender individual.
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Once in every three weeks Emy visits her beloved sister in Kerajinan Street, Central
Jakarta. Because of hostile view toward transgender people in Tia’s neighborhood,
she suggested Emy to change her sexual identity when visiting her sister. In doing
so, Emy has to remove her make-up and high heels, then wears regular sandals
before entering the neighborhood.
In Tia’s packed room, the siblings share their stories living faraway from home. Tia
who once worked as a worker in a textile factory, is willing to sacrifice anything to
protect the youngest sister. Discrimination toward transgender people, including
her sister, is Tia’s biggest concern .
Tia had to drain up her savings and borrowed money from her friends to bail out
Emy who was arrested by civil service police unit. The government often captures
transgender group in the name of “civil disorder.” Emy feels Tia’s sincere love to
bail her out. Emy promised to be more careful in the future. Tia hopes that Emy
could be happy and lead a better life.
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Arriving at Kota Train
Station, Emy cannot meet
her sister immediately
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“
“
Tia who once worked as a
worker in a textile factory, is
willing to sacrifice anything to
protect the youngest sister.
Emy’s biggest happiness
is Tia’s acceptance toward
her identity even though
not all of Emy’s family can
accept that
Going through
the night to
express longing
29
s
a
m
t
s
i
r
h
C
er
d
n
e
g
Trans
The congregation was led by Rev. Halmordi Samalagi from Indonesian Bethel Church, carrying
theme of “Taking a Decision.” Prayers sung by the reverend could not hold back tears from
transgender congregation.
They shed tears…
A sudden silence came over when the reverend asked transgender congregation to
contemplate their deeds in the past year. They were also asked to sing with joy to celebrate
the Christmas. A cheerful applause rose to accompany their singing. The two-hour church
service ended up with dance.
Hundreds of transgender individuals
from Jabodetabek area are gathering
to attend the service
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Christmas carols
illuminated the birth of
Jesus Christ in GOR
Cilandak, South Jakarta,
Thursday (12/12/2013).
31
Rev. Halmordi
Samalagi (right)
blesses Petrus,
a transgender
individual who
attends the
Christmas
service in GOR
Cilandak, South
Jakarta, Thursday
(12/12/2013)
The warm Christmas event made their bond stronger, as seen from their laughter long
after the service was over.
Prayers brings out tears among
transgender congregation
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The Remaining Life
When she was 18, Yoti Oktosea was forcefully evicted by her parents. Carrying only her own
clothing, she strived to survive by becoming a fighter, a sex worker, and then worked abroad in
Malaysia.
In Malaysia, the news of her parents’ death came and yet she only got few ringgit to get back
home, and could not see her parents for the last time.
She was devastated until she began accumulating money to return home. Back in Jakarta,
Yoti met her old friend, Yulianus Rettoblaut who eventually gave her a shelter which is now
converted into a nursing home for elderly transgender.
In her old age, she prays to God. “I only have You, after leaving home I never meet my own
family eversince,” said the transgender individual who was born on 14 July 1943.
“If only I could said last words to my parents, I just wanted to say sorry, I love both of you,”
è
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Yoti Oktosea (70 years old) taking pose in her backyard. She admits that wearing
woman’s clothing is more comfortable to her.
35
Yoti Oktosea (70 years old), in her room with her favorite rosary.
In her old age, Oma Yoti becomes more religious.
36
A past memory of Yoti Oktosea (70
years old). In the picture she was still
young and working as a sex worker in
Malaysia.
è
37
è
è
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Yoti Oktosea (70 years old) when drying clothes. She always tries to open up and
mingle with the neighbors.
Yoti Oktosea (70 years old) in her room. Living alone is her daily routine as she has
no relatives anymore.
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The Absence of State To Us
Goverment’s social protection programs never able to reach groups
that socially excluded; minority religion groups, women who lead her
family, and also LGBT groups. In goverment development programs
concept, LGBT are not recognized as a part of society who have life like
other groups in society. Eventhough there are poor LGBT, they are not
noted as citizen , so that they are not able to access social protection
programs which is should be provided by the goverment.
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dewiQ:
Female Reincarnation
dewiQ in Balinese attire
dewiQ as bridal makeup artist and dancer
“Auntie dewiQ” called Agus, 6 years old, while running toward her as dewiQ parked her car in the front of that boy’s
home.
The 34-year-old dewiQ is a transgender from Bali who likes to be called an “auntie.” She often writes her name
beginning with lowercase and ending with capital letter and she firmly sees herself as a woman. “From my religious
perspective, I believe that I’m a woman reincarnated from my ancestor,” said dewiQ, a Hindu born as I Kadek Astika.
“Within myself, there are two reincarnated human beings, male and female, but the female one is more dominant
from my ancestral line,” she said. “This is who I am, the way God has created me,” said a hotel-management diploma
graduate.
In formal settings, guests often call dewiQ, who is also a dancer, as “princess.” This has made her to firmly believe
that she is a reincarnation of her own grandmother from father line. Since her childhood, dewiQ always felt that she
was a girl. Her first love was a man. dewiQ was born in Sibetan village, Karangasem Regency, about 85 kilometres
away from Denpasar. The village is located in the slope of Mount Agung with cool weather and also the largest
producer of salak fruit in Bali.
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dewiQ is the second of three siblings. Her father died in
January 1999. After her father’s death, dewiQ was the
breadwinner of the family, helping her mother and financing her
sister’s highschool education. Besides dancing, dewiQ is also
a bridal makeup artist and actively helps several government
agencies such as Women and Child Protection Organization
and supervised a local election in Karangasem Regency.
Cremation (Pura Dalem) is a form of paying respect to the
deceased that she hasn’t done, and she visited the deceased
one by one.
At eight sharp, dewiQ startd praying with her other family
members in a family temple located within the courtyard.
Mother, brother, sister, grandmother, nephew and other
relatives prayed together with dewiQ, after which dewiQ and
her relatives continued praying in several village temples.
Around one o’clock dewiQ had just finished praying, “not all
of the deceased were prayed,” said her, “it could take a whole
day.” Although dewiQ is not seen as strictly male nor female,
her neighbors and relatives know her transgender identity who
likes men, as can be seen from her chatting with friends talking
about men she likes most.
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dewiQ walks by the slope of Mount Agung
dewiQ with Ida Pedande Istri Karang
(66), a Hindu priest who recognizes
transgender “banci” identity in Hinduism
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“I’m not ashamed of having a sister like her. Sometimes she’s
irritating but she always helps the family, financed my highschool
education and helps mother financially,” said Ni Komang Sri
Budihartini, dewiQ’s younger sister. dewiQ also socializes with female
and male friends in the village.
According to a Hindu priest Ida Pedanda Istri Karang, 66 years
old, “Hinduism recognizes gender other than male and female, it’s
called “banci (transgender).” She said that Sastra Peselang, a Hindu
scripture, explains how God has created woman, man, and woman
who are like men and man who are like woman.
dewiQ’s life and Hinduism refuse a false belief that homosexuality
and transgender lifestyle is the product Western values.
Although dewiQ is highly confident and never experience
discrimination from her relatives and Balinese society in general, she
is still hoping that one day she could become a woman, physically
and legally.
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dewiQ is praying at the temple during
Galungan ceremony
dewiQ in Balinese attire
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Qur’an, the holy book for muslims
Founder of Transgender
Islamic Boarding School
Went Umroh
The sounds of Islamic music accompanied Quranic recitation and congregational prayer in transgender
Islamic boarding school in Yogyakarta. Its founder, Maryani (53 years old) would take Umroh pilgrimage.
She cried in joy o Tuesday, 23/4/2013. “I’m so grateful to Allah because I’m going to take Umroh, this is
unimaginable,” said Maryani.
Around 150 people attended the religious service. Transgender individuals from Yogyakarta and Solo
along with neighbors came to give blessing to Maryani who would go on Monday, 26/4/2013.
“I’m glad that Ms. Maryani can take Umroh, I hope this would show to all of us that transgender people
can do good things, like other people,” said a transgender individual from Solo, Central Java.
Born as Maryono, Maryani is the first transgender, after Dorce Gamalama, who takes Umroh pilgrimage
to Makkah using identity as female. Previously, there was a transgender individual who took the Hajj but
using male identity.
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“As I, identity-wise, am a woman on my
ID card, birth certificate, and passport,
I will use this identity (as a woma) for
the Umroh pilgrimage,” said Maryani in
her residence in Notoyudan, Yogyakarta.
According to her, she found no difficulty in
dealing with administrative matters for her
pilgrimage.
The sounds of Islamic
music accompany Quranic
recitation and congregational
prayer in transgender
Islamic boarding school
in Yogyakarta. Its founder,
Maryani (53 years old) is
taking Umroh pilgrimage
Maryani is more comfortable to use
transgender identity on her ID card, if any.
Maryani is more comfortable to
use women identity on her ID
card, if any, she said.
As I reach the Holy Land, I would ask
Allah to bless me with good health so that
I could raise my daughter to become a
pious and resourceful person,” she hoped.
“And to help my fellow transgender
friends,” added Maryani.
Maryani was helped by Dra. Hj Anis
Kurniawati, representative of ArminaReka
Perdana travel agent in Yogyakarta.
Maryani only paid Rp5 million of what she
should have paid around Rp20 million.
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“My intention is to help those who are like Ms. Maryani, to
fulfill God’s calling,” said Anis Kurniawati when contacted by
OurVoice via telephone.
Mariyani established Monday-Thursday transgender Islamic
boarding school in 2008. The boarding school is a place to
learn the Quran every Monday and Thursday which includes
reading Arabic lesson, praying lesson and discussion on
transgender daily life. The Quranic learning activity is assisted
by an Islamic cleric named Murtidjo.
Mariyani said that the boarding school accommodates
transgender individuals who are rejected in other Quranic
study groups to nurture their spirituality.
As I reach the Holy Land, I would ask Allah to bless me
with good health so that I could raise my daughter to
become a pious and resourceful person,” she hoped.
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The Dressing Room
Lakon Ruang Rias (The Dressing Room) is a title of broadway show that
shows about Pandan Wangi. A transgender person that addicted to beauty
drugs. The story tells about how hazardous beauty industry is. The show was
held on 8 to 9 February 2014 in Jakarta.
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Transgender,
Equal
Rights,
and
Kamisan
Rally
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Across the Indonesian Presidential Palace, some transgender gathered
to recite a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. A transgender
person demanded her rights as written in the letter. The transgender group
demanded to be recognized as “the third gender” in state demographics, on
Thursday (22/11/2012)
Transgender individuals from Sanggar Waria Remaja (Swara), a NGO focusing
on empowering young transgender, participated in the so-called Kamisan
Rally. The rally is regularly conducted by victims of human rights violation and
their family members demanding justice and fulfillment of basic human righst.
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Across the Indonesian Presidential Palace, some
transgender gathered to recite a letter to President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
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They demanded to stop discrimination based on
gender identity, a violation of human rights that
has not yet considered important by Indonesia
government and society. Violence against
transgender group, as explained by Jessica (23
years old), a transgender individual from Jakarta:
“When we were meeting up, some people threw
glass bottles to us,” said Jessica.
The transgender group demanded to be recognized as
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“the third gender”
in state demographics
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Singing in the Street
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It was a scorching midday in Maguwo intersection, Yogyakarta, but that did not stop a few transgender
individuals singing along by the awaiting cars.
The intersection is the “working place” for those transgender individuals. The 52-year-old Rully, from
Bone, South Sulawesi, has been working there as a street musician. Wearing blue blouse, a hat,
high-heel sandals and skin-brown stocking, Rully said that the Maguwo intersection was much more
convenient than other places. Rully and her transgender colleagues work there from 10 am to 5 pm,
generating between Rp30,000 to Rp50,000 per day. Their daily income depends on the presence of civil
service police unit (satpol PP).
When there is no satpol PP and in the mood of working, Rully can generate Rp100.000 in one day. “But
as you start to work and satpol PP raid us, it’s your bad luck not having today’s meal,” said Endang,
transgender from Purworejo, Central Java. Many regional governments ban street musicians and hawker
in and around intersection.
In an intersection in Yogyakarta,
Rully (52 years old), transgender
from Bone, South Sulawesi, works
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Rully was born and raised in a conservative Muslim family. Her family, particularly her mother, respects
Rully’s identity as a transgender. Thanks to her mother, Rully finished her vocational school for teacher
in her birthplace. After graduating, Rully became elementary school teacher in an island in East Nusa
Tenggara. A few years later, Rully decided to leave her job as government worker.
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Rully then made “a trip” around Indonesia and
several countries to search her own identity. “I
had to be honest and be myself,” said Rully. In her
journey, Rully interacted with fellow transgender
peers in various Indonesian cities. She eventually
settled in and joined an NGO called LSM Kebaya
in Yogyakarta.
Rully said that working as street
musician in Maguwo intersection
is more convenient than
anywhere else
Kebaya is an organization helping transgender
group, primarily those with HIV/AIDS. In
Yogyakarta, Rully finished her bachelor of arts
(dance performance) in Indonesia Art Institute (ISI).
Rully with her colleagues work from
10 am to 5 pm, generating around
Rp30.000 to Rp50.000 a day
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Endang did not enjoy similar educational level as she only has elementary school
diploma. Her parents are poor and Endang left her family since teenage. Without
sufficient education and skill to work in formal sector, Endang works as a sex
worker. “When I was young, I used to work at night around Taman Lawang, Central
Jakarta, where my colleagues also worked as sex workers,” said Endang, “but I’m
tubang, and now become street musician,” said Endang with laughter. Tubang is a
transgender slang for “old.”
Endang always works cheerfully, giving smile and laugh when car owners refuse to
give money. Endang said that she worked like that for food and to reduce stress.
Rully and Endang are two of thousands transgender individuals in Indonesia who
live below poverty line and are discriminated against. In addition to not having
employment access, their gender identity is not recognized in state demographics.
Many transgender individuals do not own ID card (KTP). Rully insisted that she
would fight for transgender rights. “This is my calling, to fight for my identity as
transgender and to help other transgender individuals. Money will come after if we
work passionately,” said Rully when waiting for the rain to stop in a small stall.
Rully was born and raised in
a Muslim family. Rully’s family,
especially her mother, respects her
identity as transgender
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Bali Joe and Face Bar are
the most popular gay club in Seminyak,
Bali. This club not only popular to gay
community but also all partyholic who
came to Bali. Here,
gay and straight,
together they watch the incredible gogo
dance and lip syncs performances.
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Miss Waria Remaja:
Behind The Stage
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Suasana di ruang ganti
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The backstage of Miss Waria Remaja contest at Youth Sport Centre, Grogol, West Jakarta. Friday,
Decemeber 7th 2012, 21 contestant from accross Jakarta participated in Miss Waria Remaja contest.
A beauty contest for youth transgender male to female. Around two hundred people came to
watch this contest. First the contestants did catwalk wearing casual outfit, then they shown up with
georgeous gown. After that the interview session, the best answer won the crown.
Sebelum masuk panggung
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Saat proses pemilihan miss waria.
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Photographer
Vitalis Yogi Trisna, beginning his photography career by joining Wretta
Aksa in National University and then participated in Antara Journalistic Photo
Gallery workshop. Currently works as a journalist in Kompas.com and can be
reached at vitalisyogi@gmail.com.
Dian Ardiahanni, a freelance photographer working on documentary
projects, portraits, and commercial ads. She began her career when
participating in the Antara Journalistic Gallery Photo. Her works have
been published in some publications such as Tempo and Exposure
Magazine.
Ulfa Kasim started doing photography since she made a film in 2006. She
was born in Manado, September 12th 1979. Now she works for Kapal
Perempuan, an NGO that addressing women issues. She is available on e-mail
at ulfakasim@kapalperempuan.org
Rina Hartami, born in Jakarta on April 4, 1984, and loves traveling.
She can be contacted at rina.hartami@gmail.com
Komala Sari Dewi or Ade. Despite her busy routines as an employee, Ade
always participates in Ourvoice monthly photo hunting session. She was born in
Jambi, August 27, 1982. She can be contacted at dedek_mercc@yahoo.co.id
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Clara Prima was born in Yogyakarta, June 11th 1987. She started carrier in
photography since 2010 as Jakarta Globe intern photographer. After finishing
three month internship in Jakarta Globe, Clara back to Yogyakarta to accomplish
her study at Institut Seni Indonesia. Then she has graduated in September 2011.
During her academic years, she took freelance job as photographer in many
media in Indonesia, one of them was Agency France Presse (AFP). Now She
works for online media called opini.co.id. Her e-mail is clara_prima@hotmail.com
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Hartoyo, he began his photography career since 2012. Born in
Medan 3 March 1976 and starting from a hobby, he participated
in a photo exhibition at Abdurahman Wahid Center in 2013.
Hartoyo is also the director of Suara Kita Organization.
Email: hartoyomdn@gmail.com
Rikky Muchammad, loves to document something since he studied
at STIKOM Intesudi. He actively produces videos that tell about human
rights issues. He was born in Jakarta, March 28th 1986. His e-mail is
sidosidestory@gmail.com.
Supriyatna, or well known as Yatna Pelangi is a staff of Suara Kita. He
has enggaged in LGBT movement since 2005. He loves arts movies and
cultures. He is available on yatna.ksp@gmail.com
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This photostory competition is pretty brave because
it took an LGBT life as a theme. LGBT Indonesia are
rarely exposed and shown openly. It needs a gift to
catch syrong character in every photos so that photos
can be arranged into story. With this contest, the
participants are expected to be able to tell another side
of LGBT life story as minority with the rejecton and the
discrimination that LGBT against to.
Photo essays compiled in the book visually present the
multidimensional life of transgender people in a very natural
way. Through this book, transgender people no longer become
a category but rather individuals in their daily routines, in
various poses, as a little sister, a mother or an elderly who
recounts the past. They are depicted as a dignified Hindu,
a member of church congregation, or a member of Islamic
boarding school who seek spiritual intimacy with the Creator.
Clara, Curator Photo
– Melani Budianta, Akademisi
Suara Kita
Contact Person Hartoyo
)+62 21 79170125
ourvoice.lgbtiq@gmail.com
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Suara Kita
@suarakita_ov