Finding Their Voice: Participatory action research empowers Indonesian Transgender community

"Even walking down the street feels dangerous for us the waria community of Ruteng," shares the transgender and gender diverse community (known locally as waria) in Ruteng Indonesia.

(Photo: Life Stories of Manggarai Transwomen, Arus Pelangi and Edge Effect)

Indonesia's sexual and gender minority (SGM) confronts deep-seated discrimination and intolerance, leading to pervasive social exclusion. This exclusion permeates every facet of their lives, silencing their voices in decision-making processes and relegating them to the fringes of society. Consequently, they face compounded challenges, including limited access to essential resources like water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), leaving them disproportionately vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

To better address and understand the SGM community's specific challenges, Water for Women partners Plan International Australia (PIA) partnered with global LGBTIQ+ humanitarian and development organisation Edge Effect and Arus Pelangi, a prominent LGBTIQ+ rights organisation in Indonesia. Together, they launched a groundbreaking participatory action research (PAR) project in Ruteng, Indonesia, focusing on the waria (transgender and gender diverse) community and aimed at integrating SGM groups into their climate-resilient WASH initiatives.

"It's important for Plan to include the SGM community in our climate-resilient WASH work," stated Wahyu Triwahyudi, Senior WASH Advisor with PIA. "We found they faced multiple barriers and rarely received support from government programmes."

"For people who are heavily marginalised, it's easy to internalise the idea that they won't be listened to."

Emily Dwyer, Founder and Director of Edge Effect

The PAR process is designed to empower participants through steps to unleash their inherent agency. Emily Dwyer, Founder and Director of Edge Effect, explained, "For people who are heavily marginalised, it's easy to internalise the idea that they won't be listened to."

Edge Effect and Arus Pelangi visited Ruteng (Manggarai) ten times over four years (with a gap during the COVID-19 pandemic). Emily Dwyer elaborated, "Each workshop built on the other, strengthening networks in the waria community, addressing past trauma, supporting community members to take leadership within workshops, and recognising their capacity to research, analyse, plan, and act."

This newfound agency culminated in a video project led by transgender community members, transforming the PAR initiative into a powerful advocacy tool. The resulting film, titled 'Life Stories of Mangarrai Transwomen,' featured personal narratives and a collective message, resonating deeply with local government officials, and prompting commitments to address the community's specific WASH needs, such as safe access to public facilities.

The community offered these parting thoughts in the film “We the waria community are just like you. We love our families and the people of Ruteng. We work to afford a place to live and to put food on our tables. But we are also different from you, as we’re often ostracised and assaulted by society. We live in constant fear that people may harm us. Even walking down the street feels dangerous for us the waria community of Ruteng … We would like to be able to access clean toilets with running water to wash our hands. We would like the merchants and the people at the market to treat waria like a part of their community. We would like markets to be a safe space for everyone, including us … By sharing this video, you’re fighting for our rights to access public bathrooms safely. Together, let’s strive to create more accepting communities.”

"We the waria community are just like you. We love our families and the people of Ruteng... We would like to be able to access clean toilets with running water to wash our hands. We would like the merchants and the people at the market to treat waria like a part of their community."

Message from the film "Life Stories of Manggarai Transwomen"

Triwahyudi underscored the broader impact, stating, "The video resonated with officials at all levels of local government, fostering understanding and support for the challenges faced by the SGM community. Even the Vice Bupati expressed solidarity after viewing the video, signaling broader endorsement from other officials."

The video continues to be used by the SGM community and activists as a campaign tool to advance LGBTIQ+ rights. In addition to its advocacy impact, the video held deep personal meaning for those involved. Emily Dwyer reflected, "The sense of accomplishment within the group was extraordinary. Being in a hall where people watched their stories and responded positively was something they never thought possible. It's a testament to the human spirit and the inherent capacity of marginalised people. To see them blossom was incredible."

This initiative exemplifies the imperative of inclusivity in WASH programs, particularly in fostering climate resilience. Emily Dwyer emphasised, "Not only are they a vulnerable community, but working with (the SGM community) should also be a core principle of any right-based approach. The Human Rights Council has made it clear that sexual orientation and gender identity are protected characteristics. Any rights-based framework that excludes these groups simply isn't rights-based."

"Working with (the SGM community) should also be a core principle of any right-based approach... Any rights-based framework that excludes these groups simply isn't rights-based."

Emily Dwyer, Founder and Director of Edge Effect

Plan International Australia aims to replicate similar projects across Indonesia. The Manggarai initiative serves as a compelling example of how PAR can empower marginalised communities and drive meaningful change. In the context of climate resilience, this project underscores the critical importance of inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has access to essential resources and a voice in shaping a more just and sustainable future.