Page 29 - IB May 2024

Social Justice Social Justice

Reflecting on the past, Nabulivou recalled the challenges of practices that validate the identities of queer and trans
convening spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals. individuals, fostering a safer and more inclusive society.
“In our early days, it used to be hard to even get people to Moreover, outdated colonial-era laws criminalising
come into the same room,” she revealed. same-sex sexual activity still linger in many jurisdictions,
“Fear of violence and discrimination, both from families and perpetuating fear, and marginalisation within these
broader society, often deterred participation.” communities, she said.
Said Joey Joleen Mataele, a transwoman activist, and the
founder of the Tonga Leitis Association: “On the streets, Towards inclusive solutions
people referred to us as ‘AIDS’ or ‘dizzy’. And there was just In many parts of the Pacific, governments are increasingly
so much stigma and discrimination going on. recognising the importance of inclusive policies and legal
“Growing up in a society where traditional values often reforms to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of
clashed with personal identity was challenging,” Mataele said. sexual orientation or gender identity.
One of her personal challenges revolved around societal Civil society organisations play a pivotal role in advocacy
acceptance of the choice of partner. and support, providing essential services such as legal aid,
“Everything is fine with everybody, but when it’s time for healthcare, and community outreach.
my personal choice to have an actual partner that I could One such example is the partnership between the
live with for the rest of my life, it becomes an issue for some government of Tonga and LGBTQIA+ rights organisations, to
people,” she said. raise awareness and combat discrimination.
Raising three children amidst societal scrutiny was another Additionally, regional initiatives, like a grant awarded to
hurdle Mataele faced. Boutokaan Inaomataia ao Mauriia Binabinaine Association
“Everybody was saying, ‘How is she going to support these (BIMBA) in Kiribati in March 2021, demonstrate international
kids? Are those kids going to turn out to be LGBT?’” she solidarity in supporting local efforts to advance LGBTQIA+
recalls. rights.
Despite the comments, she says her children grew up to Commenting on the significance of this shift, Indo-Fijian
lead fulfilling lives, challenging stereotypes, and embracing LGBTQIA+ advocate, Kris Prasad said: “Embracing diversity
their own identities: “My kids turned out to be fine. I have five isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a strategic imperative for
grandchildren now.” sustainable development and societal progress.”
Mataele remained steadfast in her pursuit of happiness and Nabulivou notes the need for nuanced policy frameworks
fulfillment, ultimately finding support within certain religious and institutional mechanisms that reflect the lived
institutions and through personal resilience. experiences of SOGIESC individuals.
“We have great allies in the main churches, you know, even “Without robust frameworks that safeguard the rights
our cardinal is a big supporter of our work.” of SOGIESC individuals, we risk perpetuating cycles of
Meanwhile, domestic violence within LGBTQIA+ relationships discrimination and marginalisation.”
is another pressing issue, often compounded by the lack of In comments relayed to the conference, Eliane Te Bahitua,
legal protections and support services tailored to the specific Vice President and Minister of Culture, Environment, Land
needs of SOGIESC survivors. Affairs, and Handicraft of French Polynesia, also emphasised
Amidst a backdrop of increasing visibility and advocacy, the urgent need for dignity and respect for all individuals.
Fiji’s LGBTQIA+ community is grappling with the aftermath “I would like to highlight that, based on the roundtable
of the suspected murder of a 19-year-old gender diverse discussions and outputs, I also decided to table to a
individual, known as Esther Ravato. forthcoming council of ministers, the first-ever government
According to the Trans Affirmative Action Guild (TAAG), a action plan to enhance LGBTQIA+ equality in Mahonui, French
queer and trans organisation in Fiji, misgendering, transphobic Polynesia,” stated Bahitua.
reporting, and hate-fueled violence perpetuate stigma and The action plan, comprising approximately 30 measures,
marginalisation, and amplify the need for comprehensive legal includes provisions for free medical protocols and
protections and social acceptance. accompanying measures, such as fully covering pre-exposure
“It is way past time we ask ourselves: just what kind of prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and hormone therapy
society are we, with so much violence and patriarchy in our for gender transition.
country?” stated Nabulivou. Furthermore, Bahitua called for continued dialogue and
Ratu Eroni Ledua Dina, TAAG co-founder adds: “No one discussion on LGBTQIA+ issues in the Pacific.
should ever have to fear for their safety or face violence She expressed the hope that sharing French Polynesia’s
simply for being who they are.” experience would inspire other governments in the region to
TAAG has urged the Fiji Government to integrate laws into adopt similar inclusive policies.
mainstream policies, calling for comprehensive investigations “People are more understanding and accepting now. But
into hate crimes. we still want tolerance to progress to full acceptance.”
Dina also stressed the need for responsible reporting

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