In Muslim majority Indonesia, trans people are often not accepted in society as they are seen to contravene social norms. In Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara, 2,500 km from Jakarta, it’s a different story.
Hendrika Mayora Victoria Kelan is a trans woman who overcame impossible odds to become Indonesia’s first Trans Official. She had left the Catholic clergy after coming to terms with her gender identify and had to make a living as a sex worker. Hendrika finally found acceptance after returning home where her community embraced her identity, and even nominated her as a candidate for public office.
Hendrika was elected as Head of the regional representative council and her story has since become a source of inspiration for other trans women in her village.
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