Indonesian trans icon Dorce Gamalama passes away at 58

The multi-talented Dorce Gamalama, one of Indonesia’s modern pioneers for trans visibility, passed away this morning. She was 58 years old.

The comedian/TV host/musician’s death was confirmed by her best friend, Hetty Soendjaya, who said that Dorce passed away at 7:30am at a hospital in West Jakarta due to COVID-19. As of this morning, Hetty and Dorce’s family were finalizing funeral arrangements as she has to be buried with COVID-19 protocols.

It was previously reported that Dorce often checked in and out of hospital due to diabetes. Her health began deteriorating last October, when she needed the aid of a wheelchair as she was unable to walk. The artist was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which affected her memory and speech.

Despite the numerous health issues, Dorce said she was eager to recover and even filmed a music video.

Dorce, who’s a transwoman, made headlines in late January after expressing her intention to be buried as a woman to the dismay of Islamic authorities in the country. The celebrated entertainer (who may have gained more detractors amid Indonesia’s rising conservatism in recent years), opened up about her wishes for after she passes away in a recent interview with basketball player-turned-podcaster Denny Sumargo.

Also Read — MUI says transgender icon Dorce must be buried as her ‘assigned gender at birth’

“Bunda, when you pass away, what would you want to die as?” Denny asked Dorce.

“As I am now. Because after my [sex reassignment] surgery, I have a female genitalia, so women should bathe me, bathe me as a woman,” Dorce answered.

Dorce’s response became a topic of discussion in Indonesia, where there is still a long way to go for LGBTQ+ acceptance. Among those who voiced their opinion was Cholil Nafis, the chairman of Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), the highest Islamic clerical body in the nation. Cholil wrote in a tweet that the body of a transgender should be taken care of according to their assigned gender at birth for funeral rites, as gender change is not recognized in Islam.