The Al-Fatah pesantren said it helped foster solidarity among transgender people and other marginalized segments of society in Yogyakarta ever year.
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"Yogyakarta's trans population numbered in the hundreds, to say the least," said Shinta, who is a recipient of a human rights award from the Ireland-based NGO Front Line Defenders for her work on behalf of Yogyakarta's transgender community.
"They work in various fields ranging from salons to restaurants. A number might even engage in prostitution."
Of the pesantren's 40 students, at least 10 are known to board at the school. The students are allowed to dress as men or women, depending which gender they identify with.
(Writer: Yogyakarta Contributor, Markus Yuwono | Editor: Khairina)
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