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The transvestite and gay community in Singaraja are called War’gas, which stands for waria and gays in Singaraja.
Sisca's story begins in the late 80's when he was a teenager. He found himself falling in love with boys (schoolmates), and while trying to come to grips with this he had trouble with his family who dis-owned him. So then to get money he turned to prostitution in Singaraja. From time to time he and his associates had trouble with gangs - so they recognized a need for a support groups.
In 1990, a small group started War'gas. One of the early activities was a dancing group and they received some financial support from Coca Cola. From the small beginnings with 4 founding members, they have grown to a membership of over 100. While they come from all over Buleleng, they tend to congreagate in Singaraja when their village families reject them.
In the 90's some of them became HIV positive and they lost some members who died. So safe sex and support for HIV positive members became important issues for the group.
Currently, they operate from Sisca's house, but they hope to be able to get a location for their own office (or club-house). At one stage he was getting financial support for the group from his Dutch boyfriend at that time, but then that relationship ended and the money dried up.
Following Sisca's talk there was discussion. One question was whether Sisca's family is still negative - but happlily that has changed and his father has become supportive - even to the point of saying how good the "boob operation" had been.
Another question was if they could consider a office/cbub-house in Lovina rather than Singaraja - bu Sisca says most members are in Singaraja - so they need to be based there.
When asked "what makes you strong?" - the answer was "confidence in myself" assisted by support from within their Kampung and from their group.
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