Fijivillage
18 February, 2026, 11:24 pm
Central - 24°C Clouds
18 February, 2026, 11:24 pm Central - 24°C Clouds

I was beaten by my father when he found out I was a lesbian - Alex
My sexual and reproductive health and rights is about my sexuality, my health and my human rights - Alex

I was beaten by my father when he found out I was a lesbian - Alex

My sexual and reproductive health and rights is about my sexuality, my health and my human rights - Alex

By Krishneel Nair
20/12/2022
[Photo: File]

Alex says her life as a lesbian was not easy as she was subjected to stigma, and discrimination and would be beaten by her father.

In a book My Body, My Human Rights and My Activism on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Fiji, launched by DIVA for Equality, Alex says she realised she was a lesbian at the age of 15.

She says her mother used to cry watching her father beat her as his beating bruised her body.

Alex also says at the age of 58 her mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer and she had to look after her as they lived in Labasa and her siblings were in Suva.

She further says her mother passed away in 2010 and she didn’t know how to look after her father who still did not accept she was a lesbian.

She adds she joined DIVA for Equality in Fiji in 2013, through an invitation from a friend, from where she decided to move with them.

Alex says she came to a stage when her father started to suffer from hypertension and diabetes and was losing weight.

She says she didn’t know what to do which made her worry and lose weight herself.

Alex also says she was invited by DIVA for a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights group workshop through which she was challenged because of what had happened at her home.

She says she finally stood up and walked into her father’s room, asking if they could talk, to which he agreed and both cleared out their differences.

Alex adds her Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights is about her sexuality, her health and her human rights.

The booklet launched by DIVA highlights stories of Violence, Discrimination and Inequality from people in different areas.

FEATURE NEWS
Bainimarama and Qiliho charged with inciting mutiny
Former Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho have been charged with inciting mutiny, and will spend the n...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Ramadan to start this Friday
The moon for Ramadan has not been sighted, and the Fiji Muslim League confirms fasting will now begin this Friday. Speaking to fijivillage News, ...
1 hour ago

Ramadan to start this Friday
The moon for Ramadan has not been sighted, and the Fiji Muslim League confirms fasting will now begin this Friday.Speaking to fijivillage News, Mufti ...
2 hours ago

Six students questioned over Galoa bullying case
Six students have been questioned and released by police following an alleged bullying incident in Galoa Village, Serua. Police confirm that ...
4 hours ago

Waqanika and Bainivalu pleased with discussions; JSC to meet again on 25 March
Following a meeting with the Judicial Services Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Salesi Temo, the counsel of sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara ...
4 hours ago

Bainimarama and Qiliho charged with inciting mutiny
Bainimarama and Qiliho charged with inciting mutinyFormer Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho have ...
5 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
12 days ago

Malimali and others filed for judicial review into COI
The application for leave for the judicial review has been made by former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung ...
13 days ago

Malimali’s legal battle against President, PM and AG
Another legal battle starts today as sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali takes her matter to court against the President, Prime Minister and ...
13 days ago

TOP