Transvestites earn respect in Muslim Indonesia
Some are prostitutes, some priests, some work in beauty salons and some bring luck. Transvestites are a part of everyday life in the primarily-Muslim Indonesia. The "waria" - so named because they are born a boy or "pria", but have the characteristics of a "wanita", girl - but for many, adult life brings compensation and are viewed more favorably than gays. Many come from poor backgrounds and often emerge as the chief breadwinners in their family. In the east Java island area of Ponorogo, traditional "Reog" dancers are supposed to keep their strength by staying away from women, however sexual relations with young transvestites are tolerated. "They are the guardians of esoteric traditions, from the Bugis mythology. They are mediators betweens the human world and the divine world (because) nobody really knows if the divine is male or female", he says. Hindustan Times
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