By IHCP partner YIFoS (Youth Interfaith Forum on Sexuality)
In Indonesia Healthy Cities with Pride (IHCP), YIFoS Indonesia held a series of ongoing initiatives through Faith in Action, aimed at fostering inclusive environments for diverse SOGIESC and young people living with HIV (PLHIV). In April 2025, as part of this initiative, a training was held with 6 religious leaders and representatives from various faith communities: Islam, Christianity, Catholic, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and one indigenous beliefs, along with representatives from SOGIESC groups and YPLHIV.
As part of the effort to foster deeper understanding, discussions explored myths and facts, inclusive terminology, and real-life case studies related to HIV—equipping religious leaders with accurate knowledge, compassionate language, and contextual awareness. This is crucial because YPLHIV and those with diverse SOGIESC are still marginalized—not only from healthcare services but also from social and religious environments that should be a safe space. In Indonesia, where religious spaces are deeply embedded in daily life and have a significant influence on how society views “the different,” this experience of rejection becomes even more complex. Many carry a deep sense of guilt, shaped not only by their diagnosis or identity but by the internalization of stigma that tells them they are sinful, broken, or deserving of punishment. This is a common struggle among PLHIV and LGBT individuals in their journey of acceptance—where the pain of being excluded by society is often intensified by the fear of being forsaken by God. Without spaces that embrace compassion and understanding, faith becomes a source of fear instead of healing.
“I was diagnosed positive in 2021. I felt like it was a punishment from God, and there was a deep struggle to accept it. At the same time, I found myself wanting to draw closer to God. What I experienced felt like a calling to be nearer to the Divine.”– Bhakti
During the training session, participants discussed how their religious values could foster inclusion for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and those with diverse SOGIESC. However, challenges arose, particularly from Fahmi, an Islamic religious leader, who acknowledged the existence of diverse SOGIESC in the past but noted the lack of research supporting this view today. He expressed difficulty reconciling these issues with traditional religious beliefs, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing faith teachings with the need for greater acceptance in society.
Despite these challenges, participants shared supportive teachings from their faiths. Yudith, a member of the Catholic faith community, emphasized the significance of the cross and the concept of “God’s time,” encouraging compassion and renewal. Her values of service and freedom underscored the importance of providing a non-judgmental space for others.
Aldi, a Confucian priest, spoke about core values such as satya (truth), se-iya se-kata (harmony), tepa selira/Shu (tolerance), and virtue. These teachings highlight the importance of mutual respect and understanding, fostering harmonious relationships. Ni Made, representing the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, shared insights on artha (prosperity), dharma (duty), and moksha (liberation), framing them as pathways to wisdom and spiritual freedom. The Hindu principle of tat twam asi (I am you) was emphasized as a reminder of our shared humanity, while the greeting om santi santi santi called for peace, balance, and collective well-being. In this session, it became clear that there are actually more shared values across faiths that can support people living with HIV and those with diverse SOGIESC than those that challenge their inclusion.
“Hey, you… Wherever you are when reading this letter, I hope you’re still holding on.
First, I want to say sorry—if I or people of my faith have hurt you, knowingly or unknowingly, up until today.
Second, I want you to know that we are both God’s creations—precious and beautiful in God’s eyes, no matter what state we’re in right now.
SO, YOU MATTER. A LOT MORE THAN YOU THINK.
Life may not yet be easy—or perhaps it never will be. But I want you to know that God is real and God loves you.
Let’s keep holding on together, okay? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Let’s also learn to be kind to ourselves.
And lastly—you’re not alone.
There are people—friends—who, in their hearts, are praying for you and supporting you, because you are worthy of love.”
– Oci (Communion of Churches in Indonesia)
Throughout the Faith in Action journey, we’ve witnessed how meaningful change begins in honest, human conversations. From interfaith dialogues to handwritten love letters, each moment has opened space for empathy to take root. By choosing to listen, reflect, and walk alongside young people living with HIV and those with diverse SOGIESC, religious leaders are beginning to redefine what it means to serve with integrity and compassion. This isn’t just about awareness — it’s about rebuilding trust, breaking internalized stigma, and reminding every person that they are worthy of care, dignity, and belonging. And perhaps, that’s where true faith begins.
The Indonesia Healthy Cities with PRIDE project (IHCP) aims to strengthen capacity for movements of young LGBTQI+ people across Indonesia to promote increased access to HIV services, reduction of stigma, discrimination, criminalisation and violence against young LGBTQI+ people, including young people living with HIV. This blog is part of a series showcasing the successes and change stories of IHCP, and on how our 100% community-led decision making approach has worked and how important it is for young LGBTQI+ people to be in charge of charting their own future.
In Sam
arinda, the capital city of East Kalimantan province in Indonesia, young transgender women face serious challenges due to a lack of education and awareness about HIV/AIDS, human rights, SRHR, and SOGIESC. The shortage of resources to educate and support these women makes the situation worse, leading to very few accessing HIV services. <<read more>>
The impact of barriers experienced by young people with diverse gender and sexuality backgrounds in Indonesia emerges in the context of issues of human rights fulfillment and meaningful engagement in health and legal services. Discriminatory regulations and inhospitable services for young people of diverse genders and sexualities place them in a more vulnerable position to higher HIV infection rates, and criminalisation <<read more>>
Medan faces significant challenges related to stigma and discrimination against PLHIV and the LGBTQI+ community. Access to healthcare services is limited, as many people are hesitant to seek medical help due to fears of rejection and discrimination. HIV issues and LGBTQI+ rights receive little policy attention, with healthcare services lacking inclusivity and minimal public education, worsening the situation for the LGBTQI+ community in addressing HIV in Medan. <<read more>>
Indonesia Healthy Cities with PRIDE (IHCP) aims to strengthen capacity for movements of young LGBTQI+ people across Indonesia to promote increased access to HIV services, reduction of stigma, discrimination, criminalisation and violence against young LGBTQI+ people, including young people living with HIV.
LGBTIQ+ people, People living with HIV, Young peopleRead more
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