Fight for Rights and anti-Discrimination
Yudha Bhismaya/Dok.PVI-AP/Jakarta/2026
OVERVIEW
2025
Arus Pelangi (AP) is a non-profit organization that upholds the values of non-discrimination, pluralism, non-violence, independence, inclusion, solidarity, collectivism, democracy, transparency, and accountability. AP advocates for a society grounded in equality and promotes respect for the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals as an integral part of human rights (Praptiningsih, 2015).
Building on shared values of supporting marginalized and underrepresented communities, Arus Pelangi and Photovoices International implemented a Photovoices program to strengthen community capacity and foster a more inclusive society. The four-month program involved nine participants from seven provinces across Indonesia: North Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Jakarta, West Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi. These participants represented nine different organizations—each with its own mission and advocacy focus—within the Arus Pelangi Federation.
Through the Photovoices methodology, participants aged 18 to 42 revisited and explored various issues affecting their communities. Across these nine communities, the voices raised by participants resonated with striking similarities: the persistence of stigma, rejection, and discriminatory behaviors and policies that seek to deny the existence and rights of LGBTQ+ people. These experiences were documented and expressed through a series of photographs and personal stories.
Through seven key themes, participants revisited Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity, highlighting, among other topics, the role of the bissu in South Sulawesi, the complexities of seeking acceptance from both the Creator and society, and the ongoing struggle to access economic opportunities and secure livelihoods.
Other stories underscore the importance of organizational strength and human resource development in empowering individuals and communities. Advocacy against discriminatory policies remains an ongoing effort, alongside building networks and alliances with diverse stakeholders. Together, these stories form a collective declaration: “We exist.”
7
Issues raised
9
participants
including 4 youth participants
16
photos exhibited
GALLERY
HIGHLIGHTS
A New Advocacy Method
The program introduced participants to the Photovoices approach as an alternative and complementary method of advocacy. One invited guest expressed admiration for the way stories conveyed through photographs felt both powerful and emancipatory. According to the guest, participants successfully framed narratives that connected deeply personal experiences with broader national contexts in a compelling way.
The issues explored were communicated through symbolic photography that conveyed critical messages while remaining accessible and engaging. For Inno Shean, a participant from Arus Pelangi, the program offered new approaches and perspectives that differed from the advocacy methods typically employed by their organization, expanding the possibilities for future advocacy work.
Honoring Voice
Participants became increasingly mindful of Photovoices International’s core principles, particularly the principle of honoring voices—listening attentively when others speak and respectfully ensuring that every voice is heard. Participants even began reminding one another when someone interrupted another speaker.
Significant personal growth was evident throughout the training process. Participants who were initially hesitant to share their thoughts eventually became confident storytellers, presenting their projects and experiences with clarity and conviction. This transformation was made possible by the safe and supportive environment created collectively by the group, where participants felt free to learn without fear of making mistakes. Participants also encouraged and supported one another throughout the process, ensuring that no one was left behind.
Self-Expression
For members of the Arus Pelangi Federation, whose freedom of movement and expression is often constrained, the program provided a valuable space to express themselves openly and introduce LGBTQ+ realities to their partners and broader audiences. Because the issues explored were deeply connected to their daily lives—and, in many cases, reflected their own lived experiences—the resulting photographs and stories carried profound meaning and resonated strongly with exhibition visitors.
The photo exhibition and discussion held on 30 October 2025 provided an opportunity for participants to share their experiences with invited guests and expand public understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. The event was further enriched by a talk show featuring Ratna Batara Munti, Commissioner of the National Commission on Violence Against Women; Nono Sugiyono, Chairperson of Arus Pelangi; and Tri Soekirman, Executive Director of Photovoices International, following the participants’ photo presentations.
Increased critical thinking and new perspectives
Through weekly discussions on issues and photography, participants strengthened their ability to examine social issues in greater depth using visual storytelling. They also gained new perspectives on topics they had previously believed they fully understood, particularly through interviews with resource persons and community members. These interactions enriched their understanding and broadened their perspectives.
Yudha Bhismaya/Dok.PVI-AP/Jakarta/2026
QUOTES
“Through the Photovoices method, we have been able to explore once again the various challenges faced by communities across Indonesia. Despite coming from seven different regions, the voices raised by participants have echoed one another. Stigma, rejection, and discriminatory behaviors and policies that seek to deny our existence remain among the challenges we face every day,”
Nono Sugiyono
Chairperson of Arus Pelangi
PROJECT STAKEHOLDER
