Queerness in Indonesia, Poetry, and Holding Space | Doni Marmer

Doni Marmer is a queer Indonesian climate change researcher, scholar, development facilitator, community builder and poet. He is currently a graduate scholar completing his research on the utilisation of traditional ecological knowledge and indigenous knowledge for climate action in Indonesia.

In this expansive conversation, Doni talks his approach to building community as a development facilitator and the importance of decolonising climate change. He also shared his personal journey with mental health and how poetry became a tool for his healing and growth. 

A quick PSA/potential trigger warnings: This conversation discusses topics such as homophobia, depression, and suicide. However, we promise that you will find warmth in this conversation. It shares a message hope, upliftment, and  passion.

The poem Doni performs at the end of the conversation is titled ‘No, The Nature Never Have Any Emotions’. 

Follow Doni on Instagram @esperoproject and the Bali Unspoken Poetry Slam @unspokenpoetryslam.