The Rainbow Lens: Voices from the Edge Against Discrimination
Sixteen photo series and stories by nine participants in the Photovoices–Arus Pelangi Federation Program capture and retell lived experiences from the margins, amplifying voices from seven regions across Indonesia in the fight against stigma and discrimination.
Jakarta, 30 October 2025 — The photo exhibition and discussion titled “The Rainbow Lens: Voices from the Edge Against Discrimination” showcased 16 photographs and stories by nine participants in the Photovoices–Arus Pelangi Federation Program in Jakarta on Thursday (30 October). These works highlight seven key issues raised by members of the Arus Pelangi Federation across North Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Jakarta, West Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi.
Photovoices, or participatory photography, is a methodology designed to engage communities in decisions that affect their lives. First developed by Caroline Wang and Mary Ann Burris in the early 1990s, it serves as a creative medium for improving lives through photography.
“Through the Photovoice method, we have revisited various issues occurring across different regions in Indonesia. From these seven regions, the voices raised by participants resonate with one another. Stigma, rejection, as well as discriminatory behaviors and policies that seek to deny our existence are among the challenges we face daily,” said Nono Sugiyono, Chair of Arus Pelangi.
The collaboration between Photovoices International and the Arus Pelangi Federation, which began in June 2025, invites participants to identify, represent, and empower themselves through a process of critical dialogue. The Photovoices learning process includes technical photography skills, conducting interviews with sources related to the issues raised, writing narratives, and presenting them as a form of public advocacy. Through discussions in each session, participants share information and knowledge on issues they consider important. These include culture, acceptance, economic access, community organizing, human resources, advocacy and discriminatory policies, as well as networking.
Through these seven themes, participants explore Indonesia’s cultural richness—highlighting the role of bissu in South Sulawesi, examining the dynamics of acceptance with the Creator and within society, and connecting these to the struggle for economic access and livelihoods.
Others emphasize the importance of organizational strength and improving human resource capacity to build empowered individuals. Advocacy against discriminatory policies remains ongoing, alongside efforts to build networks with various stakeholders. Together, these form a collective voice: “we are exist.”
“The shared values between Photovoices International and Arus Pelangi—particularly the focus on marginalized groups, of which Arus Pelangi is a part—were the initial reason we joined this Photovoices training. PVI also embraces openness, diversity, and learning to accept us, the LGBTIQ community, to grow together,” said Ino Shean of Arus Pelangi, who is also one of the program participants.
“The sixteen photos and stories created by our colleagues from the Arus Pelangi Federation not only highlight issues vital to their lives, but also remind us that every human being has the right to be heard, to live with dignity, to access essential services, and to be accepted without stigma. Through this, we recognize the importance of collaboration and of creating space for those who have long been silenced to speak,” concluded Tri Soekirman, Executive Director of Photovoices International.
About Photovoices International
Photovoices International (PVI) is an Indonesian nonprofit organization committed to empowering marginalized and underrepresented communities to improve their lives. Grounded in the power of perspective, communities express their voices through photos and stories. For more information, visit www.photovoicesinternational.org.
About Arus Pelangi Federation
Arus Pelangi (AP) is a membership-based, nonprofit, non-governmental organization that upholds the values of non-discrimination, pluralism, nonviolence, independence, inclusion, solidarity, collectivism, democracy, transparency, and accountability. AP works on human rights fulfillment through two main pillars: (1) Advocacy and Campaigns, and (2) Community Strengthening.
Contacts:
Maria Adityasari
Communication Specialist PVI
Ino Shean
Head of Community Empowerment Division
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