often overlooking how stigma is negotiated through everyday social interaction in informal public spaces. Within heteronormative social structures, transgender women frequently experience stigma that shapes their social participation and identity construction. However, limited attention has been given to how stigma management occurs within routine, community-based interactions. This study examines how transgender women (waria) manage stigma and construct social relationships through everyday social interaction in an informal public space, namely Angkringan Berkah Netizen in Purbalingga, Indonesia. This study employs a qualitative case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentation involving transgender women, customers, and community members. Informants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, supported by triangulation to ensure validity.The findings show that stigma operates in both explicit and implicit forms within everyday interaction. Transgender women actively engage in stigma management through adaptive communication, situational gender performance, and relational strategies. The informal public space of the angkringan facilitates repeated social interaction, contributing to the gradual reduction of social distance and the emergence of social acceptance. However, structural stigma rooted in heteronormativity persists. Conclusions: This study highlights informal public space as a critical site of stigma management and gender identity negotiation. It demonstrates that transgender women are active agents in shaping social acceptance through everyday interaction. While such interaction fosters micro-level inclusion, broader structural change remains necessary.
Publication Date: 2026-06-18