Traditional boarding houses are often places where male or female students delve into Islamic religious studies.
However, Pondok Pesantren Waria al-Fatah is unique. It's a sanctuary for Yogyakarta's transgender community, providing a space to learn about and practice Islam under the guidance of religious teachers.
While primarily focused on the transgender community, Pondok Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah is open to anyone interested in Islamic learning.
Pondok Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah was established in 2008 by the late Maryani, a Yogyakarta resident. With the support of Shinta Ratri, who has since passed away, Maryani’s vision was to create a safe space for marginalized transgender women to learn about Islam and practice their faith.
Initially, the boarding school had around 63 students, many of whom were sex workers, street vendors, or beauty salon owners.
Today, the number has decreased to approximately 30, with many students coming from outside Java, including Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Bali. The community gathers weekly for shared religious studies.
In 2016, Pondok Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah faced opposition from a radical group, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).
FPI members stormed the boarding school, attempting to disrupt the students' religious practices, claiming that transgender individuals had no right to worship.
However, the local community, who had harmonious relations with the boarding school, rallied together to defend the students.
Recognising the positive impact of the boarding school's activities, the local residents often participated in events hosted by Pondok Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah, fostering mutual respect and understanding
Nur Ayu, a 54-year-old member of eight years, is now a manager and active participant in the boarding school.
Known as Mbak Nur, she has undergone a significant spiritual transformation.
Nur Ayu, a transgender student who is a member of the Al-Fatah Transvestite Islamic Boarding School
“I used to have no interest in religion,” Mbak Nur shared. “I often heard people call me ‘laknatullah’ (cursed by God) because I am transgender. “So I thought, it's no use for me to pray, since I was shunned by Allah.”
However, with the guidance of the boarding school’s ustaz, Mbak Nur began to dispel these negative thoughts.
“Ustdaz taught me that worship is a personal conenction with God and His mercy, is for all regardless of gender identity,” Mbak Nur explained.
“And in this boarding school I did not hesitate to wear mukenah when praying because I felt that from birth my instinct was to be a woman even though I was physically a man.”
At the Waria Al-Fatah boarding school, students are empowered to choose whether to wear a mukenah or sarong during prayer.
“The important thing is that it is comfortable to run,” Mbak Nur emphasised.
“Because when we feel comfortable we will be able to trully connect with God during prayer.”
Al Fatah Transgender Choir
“Since childhood I have shown interest like a girl, even as an adult I only feel attracted to men,” she said.
“When I finally spoke frankly to the family, they were able to accept me. The people in the neighborhood where our family lives also treat me as a woman.”
Mbak Nur hopes that the other transgenders will also be accepted by their families and society.
“Being a transvestite is not a choice, not her will. If given a choice, none of us would want to live life as transgender. But this is simply who we are,” explained Mbak Nur.
Through their prayers, Mbak Nur seeks God’s blessings of prosperity, comfort, and peace.
Thanks to the religious knowledge and spiritual guidance gained from the Pondok Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah, Mbak Nur now understands that they are not just a servant of Allah but a beloved child of God.
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Ade Mardiyati
