More effort needed to promote equality and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community

More effort needs to be put in place by key stakeholders, community leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations, media and individuals to promote equality, fairness and respect for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer community.

This was highlighted by the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission in partnership with LGBTIQ groups and individuals across the globe to commemorate the 2024 International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, celebrated annually on 17 May.

The commission says the theme “No one left behind: equality, freedom, and justice for all” is significant for LGBTIQ persons, particularly in the context of the systematic discrimination, abuse and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals: “Leave no one behind”.

They say the partnership is critical in preventing and combating abuse and discrimination because, despite the constitutional safeguards on discrimination based on, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, stipulated under Section 26 (3) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, members of the LGBTIQ community continue to be disproportionately impacted due to the deepening economic and social inequalities.

They say that LGBTIQ persons are already victims of homophobic violence, hate crimes, sexual exploitation and discrimination at home when seeking gainful employment and accessing housing and healthcare.

The commission says LGBTIQ persons, both the young and the elderly, face family rejection, domestic violence which is not only physical but also psychological, and bullying in their own homes, schools, workplaces and on social media platforms which lead to depression making them more vulnerable

They say that LGBTIQ sex workers are also at risk of facing abuse and unfair treatment by their clients and are subjected to human rights violations when in conflict with the law.

These vulnerabilities are further intensified with them facing discrimination and violations based on disability, ethnicity, age and social status, which are intersectional.

The Commission says love should begin at home therefore they urge family members to be more accepting and caring towards their loved ones who belong to the LGBTI community.