TransX - Changing identities in the island paradise of Bali

Dates

2015 - 2019
Author

András Polgár
Topics Social Issues, Contemporary Issues, Documentary
Location Bali, Indonesia

They knew already at an early age that they were not born boys nor would grow up and live as men. As a result of surgeries (silicone breast implants, sometimes penis removal) and hormone therapy, now

They knew already at an early age that they were not born boys nor would grow up and live as men. As a result of surgeries (silicone breast implants, sometimes penis removal) and hormone therapy, now they live as women.

They changed their body to maintain their self-identity. They went ahead and achieved the life they wanted; looking for better opportunities, they moved to the pearl of the Indonesian archipelago, to the island paradise called Bali.

The island’s historical events caused similar irreversible interventions, as the scalpels’ precise prunings. It has become a mass tourism resort from the island, famous for its cultural heritage and beautiful sights.

“I’m just a simple human, I’m not perfect. I was not born as a woman, but I’ve done the steps in my life to change, I have my heart and I am happy. “- Kiki

Kim is preparing to get the final touch. Born in male body they make every effort and struggles to live in their own sex, freed from the prison of their men body.

Like an Airbnb advertisement – just let’s run the business. Bali was still very traditional, a place where people lived little impacted by the modern world. The culture of well being found in Bali, amid the luscious tropical scenery and beautiful women.

Abbast in August 2015, he described himself gay. Abbast has moved to Bali to start a new life away from her family. Her Mother does not accept her son's decision and she is worried it might damage the Muslim family's reputation.

Kiki gets help from her close friend Ketut.

For transgender people the most spectacular change is the incorporation of silicone breasts. Indri had the surgery in Bangkok, way below the Jakarta and South Korean surgery prices.

The lush life of love and sexuality is part of the island’s lifestyle since ancient times.

Abbast holds the photo in her hand, which was taken in August 2015. Since then she has taken the decision in her life to change, has already started to take the hormone pills.

Portrait of Nicky. A few years before the surgeries they are already taking hormone tablets, many of them have nose and mouth surgeries as well.

Penis removal procedure is much more circumstantial.

Flowrindu and Chaca at the beach. As Bali degraded into a mass tourism island, for transgender people became the paradisiacal surrounding of tourism, entertainment industry and prostitution.

Indian Ocean, view from Bali.

The details of Kim.

Chaca still became teary, as she is thinking back for her ex-boyfriend.

Cha Cha is standing on the balcony of a hotel.

Kiki’s room.

Kiki just woke up and now having her shower.

Adelia, born as Yanwar Safutra.

They all have an online profile, many of them have contact with agencies based in Jakarta, which convey them to Singapore and Hong Kong also.

Already have build their transgender community with the gay bars, clubs and massage saloons.