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Unfolding Stories
Indonesia's nonbinary traditions in spotlight amid LGBTQ discrimination
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Tradition: Two bissu prepare for a traditional wedding in Soppeng, South Sulawesi. Several cultures in Indonesia consider gender nonconformity to be sacred. (Kompas.id/Reny Sri Ayu Arman) (Kompas.id/Reny Sri Ayu Arman)
Nonbinary has always been part of our culture. It's time to recognize and embrace it.
A recent video in which a student self-identifying as nonbinary was kicked out of their university has brought to the fore discussions about nontraditional understandings of gender among Indonesians.
Indonesia has a long history of gender nonconformity and transgender identity. Erik Nadir, communications officer at Asia Pacific Transgender Network, and Reymigius, a writer based in Tangerang, Banten, who both identify as nonbinary, shared that most conservative Indonesians often mistake the LGBTQ idea as an import from Western society, which is viewed as being overwhelmingly liberal—a mistaken and ironic perception since gender discrimination exists in the West as it does elsewhere.
If anything, Indonesia has always been very progressive in its view of gender. Many cultures here, such as the Bugis and Javanese, were welcoming toward gender nonconformity and transgender identity—even considering it sacred.
"Understanding our cultures, will help the LGBTQ communities in Indonesia to explain that it's always been part of our country," said Nurdiyansah Dalidjo, a queer writer.
There is also the adjective “gender nonconforming”, which is generally used for activities or behaviors that does not follow established gender norms. People of any gender identity might act or behave in a gender-nonconforming way, whether knowingly or not.
While discussions about gender nonconformity generate a host of differing opinions, even among gender-nonconforming individuals and within their communities, nonbinary generally refers to individuals who do not identify as either male or female.
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