Photography: Tales of the Waria

“Some countries have what can be called ‘third sex’ or ‘third gender’ groupings. Leading examples are hijras, aravanis, zenanas and metis in South Asia. As well there are bakla in the Philippines, waria in Indonesia, mak nyahs in Malaysia and kathoey in Thailand. All these names refer to individuals who were born as males (or sometimes as intersexuals), and present themselves as female. Typically these groupings have faced various forms of discrimination and, at some times, in some countries, harassment and brutality by police and others. Positive responses to the situation of ‘third sex’ groupings involve (a) recognition of their female or “third sex” status, (b) access to medical treatment, and (c) economic and social training and assistance. [...]”

[...] When we refer to a ‘third sex,’ we need to be very careful. It is not a useful or accurate term in perhaps half of the world’s countries. There are no comparative studies of these groups – only a number of specific, often quite localized accounts. No one gives us a reliable list of the societies where the phrase is appropriate and where it is not. We must avoid simplistic assertions, such as statements suggesting that the ‘berdache’ role among certain North American Indian tribes is analogous to that of the hijra, or that we can speak of the xanith of Oman as a general national category, when our source of information only describes one city (and is an accidental addition to a study on the role of women).”

“[...] In Indonesia the Social Welfare department has identified waria as an economically marginalized group and established training programs. As in other examples noted above, waria may get training to work in beauty parlours. [...] There are waria organizations in Indonesia, one going back to the 1960s. There are waria groups within various political parties, including Golkar, the party established by former President Soeharto. They provide entertainment at political rallies. The Department of Social Welfare, as well as municipal governments and political parties, have been involved in organizing or supporting waria organizations.”

At the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, we are proud of the diversity in our community as well as supporting the marginal SE Asian voices that are, at times, hidden. As a group which is sometimes misunderstood and forgotten, it is our pleasure to present this stunning set of photography by Diego Verges on the waria community. Please, enjoy.

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