NEW YORK CITY — In a story that has set Indonesian social media alight, Bill Clinton’s one-time Indonesian transgender hairstylist married her American lover in a ceremony in New York City this month.

For whatever reason, Indonesian netizens are captivated by Solena Chaniago’s story. Solena was born as a boy to a modest family West Sumatra. But by aged 11, she knew something wasn’t right. She realised that he was not comfortable being an adolescent boy. Even still, in ‘94 she entered and won a regional co-ed beauty pageant as a male participant.

As the years went on, Solena struggled with her identity, but did what she felt was her duty and married and fathered a daughter.
She thought this might straighten her out. It didn’t.

The marriage failed and in 2003, Solena split with her partner. She moved to New York and trained to become a hairstylist, and began the transition from man to woman.

Solena embraced her new life and her career as a men’s hairstylist blossomed. She has even worked on the tresses of the 42nd President of the United States.

Then, nine years ago in a New York restaurant, she met Ronnie Sullin, with whom a relationship blossomed.

Solena admits that she wasn’t exactly met with open arms by Ronnie’s family, who rejected her after finding out she is transgendered.

But with a lot of patience, she and her new love got through the hard times, and were married this year in early July.

Solena continues to maintain a good relationship with her family in Indonesia, including with her ex-wife. She and her ex-wife in fact continue co-parenting their daughter.

Congratulations Solena! Wishing you a never-ending happiness in your new life!