On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the volunteers of Perkampungan Sosial Pingit (part of Realino societal service unit) were eager for their visit to Al-Fatah, an Islamic institute for transgender people, situated in the village of Cokrodiningratan, Yogyakarta, a location often overlooked by the broader community but significant for the marginalized community living there. The volunteers were warmly greeted by the students, particularly by Kak YS, a transgender woman. She shared the history of Al-Fatah, founded in 2008 by Ibu Shinta Ratri, a transgender Muslim activist. The school was established to create a safe space for transgender individuals to learn and practice their faith.
Al-Fatah is inclusive, welcoming both Muslim and Christian transgender women. It aims to offer compassion and acceptance to individuals facing discrimination and rejection in society, providing them with a sense of belonging. The community encourages students to engage in various activities, including community service and learning skills like makeup and catering, to support their livelihoods. Many students, however, face challenges in securing jobs due to societal stigma and a lack of formal identification.
Kak YS shared her personal experiences with stigma, recounting instances of discrimination even from religious figures. Despite this, she emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, urging students to stay true to themselves regardless of societal expectations. The life lesson of embracing one’s identity amidst adversity resonated deeply, highlighting the significance of personal acceptance.
Ustadz Arif Nur Safri, who teaches at the school, encouraged critical thinking about the negative labels used against transgender individuals. He highlighted that awareness and education are vital in combating discrimination and fostering acceptance of everyone’s identity.
The visit was timely, occurring shortly after Easter and just before Eid al-Fitr, reinforcing a message of love and acceptance reminiscent of the teachings of Jesus. The volunteers reflected on the importance of embracing marginalized groups with compassion, inspired by the idea that we are all children of God, deserving of love, regardless of our differences.
As the day came to a close, the volunteers left with a renewed commitment to support marginalized individuals. They recognized the ongoing challenges faced by these communities and were motivated to contribute positively, including through teaching and community involvement. The heartfelt exchanges during their visit left a lasting impact, underscoring the idea that justice and love can coexist in the pursuit of equality for all.
The lovely dusk of that afternoon sent us home after we all had a warm conversation with the students of Al-Fatah.
Contributor: Basilika Rain – volunteer teacher at Pingit Social Village
