Calabai Jangen
Emma’s first collaboration with Indonesian performance artist, Tamarra, was in January 2019, when they travelled together to South Sulawesi to spend time with members of the Bissu community there.
Bissu are often cited as celebrating multiple genders, and held as examples that trans people “have always been here” but spending time with Bissu shamans, being welcomed, tolerated and embraced by them was incredible.
There is danger in assuming a universal trans experience - the Bissu have long celebrated multiple gender identities but their history of veneration, persecution and survival is unique.
It was a life changing trip and the small group (including Emma’s child Joey) were allowed to witness far more than expected
Tamarra and Emma made a subsequent shared ritual performance and documentary of the trip named Calabai Jangeng (literally - Crazy Trans Women) a term of beautiful endearment that was shouted loudly throughout our 10 day road trip!
The trip was supported by British Council Indonesia.