LESBIAN, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) persons in Fiji are subject to double the violence meted out on girls and women.
This, according to Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality management collective member Vika Kalokalo.
Ms Kalokalo made the comment while delivering an emotional speech during consultations on ways to prevent violence against women and girls at an International Women’s Day event in Lautoka on Monday.
“For small Pacific island states like ours, we have the highest rate of violence against women and girls with double the rate for the LGBTQI community and that is something which is terribly wrong,” she said.
Ms Kalokalo said as an iTaukei LGBTQI woman, she did not have the luxury of access to services that heterosexual people had.
“Being discriminated, stigmatised and belittled and unfairly treated because of my sexuality is why I am here today and what I have become to empower my fellow LGBTQI sisters and brothers, sisters-in-law, young and old women in all their diversities.” Panel moderator Viva Tatawaqa said “the strongest women show where the pain and where the joy is.”