Fiji's gays and lesbians will march against homophobia on May 17. The government has granted a permit for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community to march to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Oceania Pride founder Jasmine Kaur told FijiLive that other organizations including the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, Emerging Leaders Forum and individual supporters will be attending the march. Kaur said this marks a new beginning for the LGBTIQ community in Fiji. "Yes, homophobia is still exist as this is reflected by name calling, written submissions by the members of the public and discrimination that individuals face on a daily basis," said Kaur. She said this is seen in every day life.
"The most immediate problem that the homosexuals in Fiji face is discrimination and stereotypical attitudes. They are discriminated on many different levels and it also affects their mental health." She said this will be a peaceful march to voice out and stand against homophobia and transphobia for anyone who stands up for human rights. Oceania Pride says it promotes, respects, protects and realises the human rights and fundamental freedoms and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against the LGBTIQ community. It was founded on
September 13, 2010 and has been virtually based and run via Facebook and is now in the process of registering as an NGO.
By Ropate Valemei
Read more at: http://www.fijilive.com/news/2012/05/govt-grants-permit-to-
lgbtiq/42753.Fijilive
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Pubblicato da Lorenzo Bernini