Our divisional teams with their partners and allies, commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
With the theme of ‘Breaking the Silence,’ the attendees shed light on their journey and narratives as members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
‘We also acknowledge too the work of others and their predecessors in breaking THAT silence and taking away the perception and the stigma associated with the LGBTIQ+ community,” said Ms Regina Rakacikacika, at the Labasa Community Media Centre (CMC).
In the North, the femLINKpacific team commemorated the day with members of the House of Colors and DIVA for Equality.
In the West, correspondent Agu Tuinasau, reported from the Daulomani Home, Lautoka, sharing the joy of Edwina and friends in commemorating the day on the farm.
The Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights of which femLINKpacific is a member stands in solidarity with the LGBTQI community and human rights defenders in “Breaking the Silence” against discrimination, stigma and violence.
NGOCHR observer, Haus of Khameleon also released a statement to commemorate IDAHOT,
“Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics have a right to equal access to opportunities, services and their safety including access to justice and health services. The LGBTIQA+ community must always be protected even during these times of the pandemic.”
DIVA for Equality Fiji stated, “We are working to end the active process of silencing, marginalisation, shaming, stigma, discrimination, violence and murder of LGBTQI and people around the world.”
The Fiji Constitution prohibits discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, but there remain limiting provisions that are barriers to their full recognition and protection. In Fiji and the Pacific, violence and stigma faced by the LGBTQI community is disturbingly prevalent and often invisible because of the entrenched patriarchal culture of “silence,” outlined the NGOCHR.
