Gender Dualism as Degendering Cosmic Multicultural Tolerance of Wargas: Community Security Practices in North Bali

Abstract

This chapter examines interaction between gender dualism and cosmic dualism in the practice of one transwoman leading a small community security organisation (Warga) in a town in northern Bali. In the company of her leadership group, we spoke to her at length about her life story, lobbying, activism and her organisation. She also performed a white magic ceremony demonstrating her capacity to dispel demons. To understand how male–female and black–white magic dualities intersect and interact we draw upon queer theory, multiple and hegemonic masculinities and sexual capital. The power of these intersecting dualities poses interesting issues about her advocacy and practice of multicultural tolerance. Equally fascinating is how a community could come to respect a transwoman as a local leader capable of holding her own with the police, local bosses and local authorities.