Zaky Yamani, Bandung – She is tall and slim, her skin is clean and her hair drops down to her shoulders. When speaking, she does so with a soft, polite voice.

Mbak (sister) Riri, as she is known to her friends, heads Srikandi Pasundan Foundation, a non-governmental organization that provides counseling on HIV/AIDS for transvestites in West Java.

Riri is conversant about HIV/AIDS among transvestites. She said twenty of 5,000 transvestites had been infected with HIV and have been marginalized: isolated by the community, deprived of legal protection, economic welfare and medical treatment. "The people loathe transvestites, let alone those living with HIV/AIDS," Riri said, hoping that the sentiment would die out.

Riri's colleague Vina attested to people's attitudes toward transvestites, saying that they often became the target of taunts. "We are considered a deviant group in the community," Vina said. Such a bitter experience, according to Vina, has fueled pessimism over whether the attitude of the government and people in general could change.

"Though we are active in discussions, we have yet to quash people's cynicism. A government official once dared to claim that there was not a single transvestite in his area.

"In fact, there were several members of Srikandi Pasundan. It's an attitude that departs from the reality that this particular group within society exists," Vina said.

"We are also discriminated against in medical facilities," Riri said. "We often become the subject of jocularity and fun by medical attendants. Such a situation causes much discomfort to us.

"They're just cynical toward us. We hardly have time to settle, before they break into laughter. That deters us from visiting medical centers for checkups.

"Fortunately, we have the PKBI (Indonesian Family Planning Association). We feel comfortable about getting checkups with them. Friends from outside of town also acknowledge that the clinic in PKBI serves us well," Riri said.

What irritates Riri and colleagues is that several government officials have a two-faced attitude – they appear to be pushing for the transvestites' rights when speaking before a forum but on the other hand do not pursue them in reality.

"Some medical attendants were incredulous about the proper way, for example, to examine sexually transmitted infection (STI) among transvestites.

"In fact, they left it to us to explain. When we were visiting a regency, someone asked how to examine a transvestite.

"Why should we explain? A medical attendant should. The specific character of a transvestite is that she acts like a woman but, when having a checkup with a doctor, is physically attributed as a man," Riri said.

This discrimination in denying access to public medical facilities or information often results in transvestites knowing little about the risks faced in their relationships.

Riri said among the transvestites in West Java, the only way of transmitting HIV/AIDS was through sexual intercourse. No other cause has been detected, which, according to Riri, shows the need to educate people about safe sex.

The obstacles in getting to medical facilities and the need for information has spurred the establishment of Srikandi Pasundan, said Riri. Problems arise when the organization finds that they have little room to move in carrying out their mission.

The streets are the ideal place to reach out to transvestites, but also where the Srikandi Pasundan themselves are most at risk of being arrested by officials from the local administration.

"People tend to think that transvestites loitering on the street are prostitutes. In fact, not all of them are. The streets for transvestites are a place to get to know each other and to declare their existence.

"Some of them fall victim to risky relationships. That's why we get to the streets to give counseling about HIV/AIDS.

"But during an operation, the police will arbitrarily round up all those on the streets. Even when we say we are from the foundation they will not listen to us," Riri said.

Transvestites feel policy is simply against them. With or without the rules, they believe they will always take the brunt of social wrath.

They want people to abandon labeling them as a deviant group of people who have no rights.

Riri appealed to the government and community to promote the awareness of HIV/AIDS, by educating people about safe sex and providing them with positive activities that would stop them from forming risky relationships.

"People blame transvestites for engaging in prostitution and – what else! We will not sell if there are no buyers. If we are to be punished, why aren't the buyers punished, too?"

Riri is resigned to being labeled a transvestite. "What parents on earth want to give birth to a transvestite? Nowadays, transvestites find it difficult to find a decent job. To work in a hair salon they have to cut their hair; they have to be dressed as a man. "The situation gets worse for those with HIV/AIDS. Life's chances seem to be closed to them," Riri said.

Legislative member Rahadi Zakaria called on the government to treat transvestites equally. "The government should not discriminate among its citizens. In other words, morality and religion should not be mixed up when delivering civil rights," Rahadi said.

"We must distinguish between the two – religion may not recognize them but the government should. Citizens are entitled to protection regardless of gender or orientation – be they men, women, gays or transvestites," he said.

Will that be realized? Although the trend augurs badly, there are many who hope that the trend will be turned around.