In a significant gathering aimed at empowering Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer (LBQ+) activism, twenty-seven feminists from ten Pacific Island nations convened in Nadi, Fiji, from January 21 to 23, 2026, for the second Pacific LBQ Working Group: Feminist Strategy Meeting. Participants hailed from American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, and West Papua, showcasing a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives.
This meeting builds upon the inaugural session held in November 2024 and represents a continuation of collaborative efforts initiated at the third Pacific Human Rights Conference on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression Challenges (SOGIESC) earlier in 2024, where key priorities were identified.
The participants united around the clarion call: “we are here—strong, undeterred, and together.” Through collective analysis and sharing of urgent issues, the three-day meeting strengthened the resolve and well-being of LBQ activist groups, enabling them to confront challenges while amplifying their successful endeavors.
Central to the discussions were themes of intersectional feminist leadership and decolonial resistance. The participants engaged in significant dialogues concerning movement challenges, safety, sustainability, and long-term engagement. This collaborative effort aims to bolster knowledge and skills, ensuring a more effective response to the unique challenges faced by LBQ+ communities in the Pacific.
Canadian High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency Jennifer Lalonde, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “This meeting celebrates the leadership, solidarity, and voices of Pacific LBQ communities, whose work and courage are shaping a stronger, more inclusive Pacific.”
The Working Group is supported by DIVA for Equality and ILGA Oceania. Noelene Nabulivou, Co-Executive Director of DIVA for Equality in Fiji, noted the strength of the relationships formed over time, highlighting the shared realities, risks, and resilience inherent in LBQ feminist organizing in the Pacific amidst various pressures.
Recent progress includes the Working Group’s first submission to the United Nations Independent Expert on SOGI, addressing violence and discrimination against LBQ women, which will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026. This critical submission marks a pivotal step in amplifying their voices on an international platform.
Louisa Wall, Women’s Chair for ILGA Oceania, emphasized the importance of visibility and recognition for LBQ individuals in the Pacific, while Melania Tanoa, a representative of LBQ+ women with disabilities, highlighted the empowering nature of the initiative. Fiji-based activist Ilisapeci Delaibatiki reiterated the significance of regional solidarity fostered during the meeting.
The gathering allowed for much-needed dialogue and support among LBQ women like Janette Olliver from the Cook Islands, who underscored the critical importance of collaboration in developing strategies and responses to issues faced by marginalized communities.
Furthermore, the LBQ+ activists condemned the criminalization of their identities and broader systemic injustices, while steadfastly advocating for climate and ecological justice—a crucial concern for communities grappling with the effects of climate change in the Pacific.
The vision of the Working Group reflects a commitment to just and ecologically balanced futures for all Pacific people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, ensuring that everyone can lead lives filled with dignity and self-determination. This hopeful outlook reinforces a strong belief that collective efforts can pave the way for meaningful change, as diverse communities unite for a common cause.
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