Recently, Tempo once again demonstrated its commitment to diversity by interviewing queer activist Arisdo Gonzalez from Pelangi Nusantara. Tempo is indeed one of the few major media outlets in Indonesia that has dared to openly stand up for LGBTQIA+ communities that are so often oppressed. But did you know that Tempo’s solidarity with queer communities goes back much further than you might think?
50 Years of Allyship
Since the 1970s, Tempo magazine has periodically published various reports on queer communities in Indonesia. While not always perfect, and at times still marked by prejudice and misunderstandings, there has been a sincere effort to keep evolving and become a better ally to the queer community.
In 1981, Tempo magazine covered the story of Jossie and Bonni, a queer couple who held a “wedding party” in Blok M, South Jakarta. Jossie, who was assigned female at birth, said that he felt more like a man. Tempo told their story with no judgment. An important step at the time in presenting the human side of the queer community.
While many other media outlets often talk about queer issues without ever directly asking the queer community, Tempo instead provides ample space for the community to explain their perspectives and express their concerns.
Queer-Friendly Journalism
Point 3 of Tempo’s Journalistic Code of Ethics explicitly requires Tempo journalists to avoid hatred, prejudice, demeaning attitudes, and discrimination in various aspects, including sexual orientation and other social backgrounds.
To this day, Tempo is recognized as one of the major media outlets that has been the most progressive and consistent in amplifying the aspirations of the LGBTQIA+ community. Thank you, Tempo, for accompanying our struggle and for standing on the right side of history.