The presence of female lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LBT) individuals and groups in Indonesia has not gained recognition and acceptance, neither socially from the community nor legally from the state. They remain effected by a variety of forms of injustice, such as physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence, which occur at homes, schools, workplaces, places of worship, and within their communities. They are often stigmatized and receive various labels, from ‘abnormal’, ‘sick’, ‘sin’, ‘dirty’, and others, and are even threatened to be criminalized by law.

As a result of the issues above and in an effort to eliminate all forms of discrimination against female LBT in Indonesia, Ardhanary Institute was established as an institution of  study, publication, and advocacy center for LBT women’s rights in Indonesia on November 14, 2005.

Ardhanary Institute uses the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948, the Yogyakarta Principles, and The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) which has been ratified by Act No.7 of 1984 as a benchmark of the organization.

Vision

Ardhanary Institute aims to build society that respects and protects the rights of sexuality for LBTs.

Mission:

To achieve this vision, Ardhanary Institute has some missions as follows:

• To strengthen individuals by building groups.
• To build a new perspective on sexuality in society.
• To eliminate all forms of violence against LBT by developing an LBT Crisis Centre.
• To promote the non-discriminatory policy against LBT’s sexuality choice through public policy advocacy activities.