Pondok Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah is the only madrassa for trans women in Indonesia, providing a vital safe space for trans women to express their identities and practice their faith. Their latest initiative, the Waria Crisis Center, offers shelter, legal aid, healthcare, and psychological support to elderly trans women in Yogyakarta facing discrimination, homelessness, and violence.
Founded after the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake, Pesantren Waria Al-Fatah has long been a pillar of support for the trans community. Amid increasing conservatism, the organization encourages resilience through religious study, community services, and empowerment programs as a way to work towards societal acceptance of trans women and the eradication of stigma.
Once fully operational, the Waria Crisis Center will provide safe housing, medical care, counseling, and financial training for 30 elderly trans women, ensuring their dignity, security, and well-being are protected in an otherwise hostile local environment.