“Seeking Allataala in Everyday Life”: Understanding Queer Spiritual Space of Bissu Community in Indonesia

Bissu is one living piece of evidence on how adat negotiates with religion. However, the proliferation Islamic fundamentalism that emerged after collapse New Order promoted category ‘Pabissu’ as a way to delegitimate Bissu. Hence, this study aims explore Bissu’s spirituality decolonizing methodology. In order construct counternarrative ‘Pabissu’, has carried three lines inquiry. Firstly, authors discuss androgynous ancestors exist in Attoriolong authority Bugis culture. Secondly, analyze ‘Islam Bugis’ vernacular culture changes due homonationalism. Thirdly, unravel Bissus’ spiritual quest search for Allah an effort understand presence queer space within “Islam Bugis.” Data were collected from (offline and online) fieldwork, ranging in-depth interviews direct observation. The results are: (1) concept Bugis” allowed possibility ‘coming out,’ ‘acceptance’ family immediate environment; (2) Pangngaderreng does not eliminate conflict but prolongs passive tolerance individuals without any protective mechanism government; (3) Queer shows embodied resistance through individuals’ understanding enacting five pillars Islam, six faith, fitrah everyday lives beyond ‘disciplined body.’