“Violence often happens; that’s the life of a trans woman” : a qualitative study exploring trans women’s lived experiences of gender-based violence in Indonesia

Background Globally, transgender women experience widespread gender-based violence and human rights violations, detrimentally affecting their quality of life and access to health care. Increasing ‘moral panic’ against LGBTQIA+ communities in Indonesia in recent years has placed trans women at increased risk of violence.Aims This qualitative study, designed as part of an academic-community collaboration, documented multi-level experiences of gender-based violence and resiliency practices among trans women in Indonesia.Methods Between July–October 2023, 20 trans women and 24 healthcare workers, social services and police stakeholders were interviewed in Jakarta and Yogyakarta to document participants’ experiences of gender-based violence, ways of navigating violence, and mitigation practices to reduce violence-related harm. Data were analyzed thematically.Results Findings are presented according to themes guided by the socio-ecological framework. Structural violence documented included discriminatory and stigmatizing policies and practices from service providers and the police. Violence at the community level involved physical violence from sex work clients and strangers. Interpersonal violence included emotional, psychological, and physical violence from intimate partners, influenced by cisgenderist values and internalized stigma adopted into intimate partnerships. We also identified community-led practices around mitigating these harms, including the creation of support networks at the interpersonal and organizational levels, as well as establishment of personal and communal safe spaces by and for trans women.Discussion Findings highlight the urgent need for longitudinal and intervention research that address gender-based violence among trans women, increase access to justice, and empower transgender communities to know their rights and challenge structural barriers.