identity
Transcription
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. [email protected] Suara Kita @suarakita_ov To Diversity! Suara Kita Team 2 3 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. 5 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. 6 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 7 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 9 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 11 “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. 15 Miss Wa r ia Pa g e a n t Miss Waria Pageant 16 A contestant is being put a make up in the dressing room 17 A transgender singer is preparing herself in the dressing before the opening of Miss Waria pageant 18 19 Contestants are changing costumes in the bathroom The opening of Miss Waria pageant, participated by 21 transgender contestants 20 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. 21 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’ 22 23 Tia’s Sincere Act toward Her Transgender Sister To meet her sister, Emy has to remove feminine attributes 24 “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. 25 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. 26 Arriving at Kota Train Station, Emy cannot meet her sister immediately 27 28 “ “ 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 30 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 32 33 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 34 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 38 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. 39 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. 40 41 42 43 44 45 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. 46 47 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. 48 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 49 “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. 50 dewiQ is praying at the temple during Galungan ceremony dewiQ in Balinese attire 51 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. 52 53 “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. 54 55 “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. 56 57 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. 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 Transgender, Equal Rights, and Kamisan Rally 66 67 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. 68 Across the Indonesian Presidential Palace, some transgender gathered to recite a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono 69 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 70 “the third gender” in state demographics 71 Singing in the Street 72 73 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 74 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. 75 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 76 77 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 78 79 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. 80 81 82 83 Miss Waria Remaja: Behind The Stage 84 Suasana di ruang ganti 85 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 86 87 Saat proses pemilihan miss waria. 88 89 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] Rina Hartami, born in Jakarta on April 4, 1984, and loves traveling. She can be contacted at [email protected] 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 [email protected] 90 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 [email protected] 91 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: [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] 92 93 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 [email protected] 94 Suara Kita @suarakita_ov