Rainbow Fiji Coalition Reset Convening

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2025
“The Power of Communities”
Location: Suva, Fiji (TBC)
Dates: May 15–17, 2025

Background & rationale
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), observed annually on May 17, raises awareness of the discrimination and violence faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals worldwide. Established in 2004, it marks the 1990 declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder by the WHO.

Marking IDAHOBIT in Fiji is essential in addressing the persistent stigma, discrimination, and exclusion faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals despite legal protections. While Fiji’s Constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, societal attitudes remain deeply influenced by conservative religious and traditional norms, often leading to marginalisation in families, workplaces and public spaces. Many Fijians of diverse SOGIESC struggle with limited access to safe spaces, mental health support, and economic opportunities, making community-led initiatives crucial for fostering inclusion and acceptance.

The 2025 theme, “The Power of Communities”, highlights the role of collective action in advancing equality and inclusion. It is especially relevant to Fiji, where collective structures the Vanua (traditional communities), religious groups such as the mandali, village women and youth clubs, and grassroots structures- play a pivotal role in shaping societal attitudes and policies. Historically, community mobilisation has driven change in climate justice and women’s rights, demonstrating its potential to advance LGBTIQA+ rights and equality. Strengthening solidarity within these spaces can challenge prejudice, promote allyship, and create lasting cultural shifts. By marking ODAHOBIT, we raise awareness and visibility and empower communities to drive meaningful changes.

Organising partners
IDAHOBIT 2025 is organised in partnership between Oceania Pride and the Trans Affirmative Action Guild (TAAG).
Oceania Pride was established in September 2009 as an LGBTIQA+ network for young people in Fiji. Over the years, the focus of Oceania Pride has been on mental health, queer spaces and Pride activities. The network has carried out digital media projects on acceptance and IDAHOBIT before. In 2024, recognising the rise of the anti-gender movement and the need to mobilise resources effectively, Oceania Pride was legally registered as a not-for-profit in Fiji under the Company’s Act 2015. In the past year, Oceania Pride has also refined its focus and approach to working with minority communities within the SOGIESC movements complementing the work of its partners and allies.

The Trans Affirmative Action Guild (TAAG) is led and founded by Fijian vakasa, sian and trans-diverse (VST+) folx during a gathering, to celebrate Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov 20) in 2022, of like-minded individuals. As proud beings of multiple intersections, we navigate life respecting humanity, nurturing ecosystems, and protecting indigeneity and ethnic and cultural diversity. We are completely and unapologetically community-centred, mobilising and drawing all the inspiration of our programming from the needs of our VST+ constituents. Our YAVU is lined and strengthened with the fibres of the resilience seen, heard, read, and expressed through our varying stories and lived experiences.

Both organisations are affiliates of various networks and organisations, such as the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) and the Rainbow Fiji Coalition.

Event objectives
The activity is proposed with the following objectives:
1. Strengthen knowledge and awareness of LGBTIQA+ rights and inclusion in Fiji.
2. Explore the role of communities in advancing equality and justice.
3. Initiate discussions for the development of a national SOGIESC inclusion framework.
4. Equip participants with advocacy, leadership, and community-building skills.
5. Develop collective action plans for the Rainbow Fiji Coalition.

Expected outcomes
The event is proposed with the following outcomes:
1. Increased knowledge of LGBTIQA+ rights, policies, and advocacy strategies in Fiji.
2. Strengthened networks and solidarity among activists and allies.
3. Practical advocacy skills and action plans for community engagement.
4. A stronger and more connected movement for LGBTIQA+ inclusion in Fiji.
5. A more robust Rainbow Coalition Fiji.

This 3-day workshop ensures deep learning, active participation, and concrete action steps.

Target audience & facilitation partners
The 3-day IDAHOBIT workshop will bring together 25-30 participants from diverse backgrounds, all playing key roles in advancing LGBTIQA+ rights and inclusion in Fiji. The primary participants include LGBTIQA+ activists, youth leaders, community organisers, human rights defenders, and allies who are actively engaged in advocacy, policy reform, and community-building. Their participation will strengthen solidarity and equip them with practical skills to drive change within their respective spaces.

Additionally, the workshop will engage representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and human rights institutions working on gender equality, social justice, and inclusion. Their involvement will help integrate LGBTIQA+ advocacy into broader human rights and development agendas.

Recognizing the influence of traditional and faith-based leaders, efforts will be made to include progressive religious figures, educators, and community elders who can act as allies in shifting public attitudes and fostering acceptance. Media representatives and policymakers may also be invited to selected sessions to ensure that advocacy efforts reach wider audiences.

This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that the workshop not only strengthens the LGBTIQA+ movement but also builds broader societal support, creating a more inclusive and accepting Fiji.

by ILGAWorld