Rini Ahmad

“I may have had to fight for my right to be who I am, but I wouldn't have it any other way.”

Rini always knew she was different from other girls in her small village near Lahore, but it wasn't until she joined the Indonesian army that she realized who she truly was. It was difficult for her to come out as trans in a Muslim-majority country, but her comrades had her back and even helped her apply for gender-affirming surgery. Despite facing discrimination from some higher-ups, Rini excelled as a soldier and worked her way up the ranks. She eventually retired from the army and now works as a physical trainer in Jakarta.

What motivated you to join the army?

I wanted to prove to myself and my fellow Indonesians that I was just as capable as any man in defending our country.

What advice would you give to other trans people in Indonesia?

Don't be afraid to be who you are - there are people out there who will accept you for who you are and support you.