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By Lily Jones, Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Officer

In anticipation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa later this month, Kaleidoscope Trust hosted a virtual panel discussion to launch the 2024 CHOGM Shadow Report.

Focusing on the state of LGBTI+ rights across the Commonwealth, the conversation brought to life the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTI+ communities, with insights from activists Zukiso Tembe from Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM), Sheistah Bundoo-Deenoo from Kolikid Drwa Imin (KDI) in Mauritius, and Tebeio Tamton from BIMBA in Kiribati.

Here are five key takeaways from the discussion, highlighting the importance of solidarity, education, and global cooperation ahead of CHOGM this month.

1. The importance of community solidarity.

Community solidarity and collaboration form the bedrock of effective LGBTI+ advocacy. Zukiso Tembe emphasised how the sense of belonging created through solidarity helped ESGM navigate systemic social exclusion and adversity:

“When we are connected, it’s much more effective to challenge government entities and push for the prioritisation of LGBTI+ rights,” Tembe noted.

This solidarity was especially crucial when ESGM fought in court for its legal recognition, with allies rallying around them when the organisation was ordered to shut down. Such support networks of allies not only bolster resilience but also facilitate access to key decision makers who might otherwise remain out of reach to continue propelling LGBTI+ advocacy.

2. Education as a foundation of advocacy work.

All three speakers highlighted that, in countries where homosexuality remains criminalised, widespread ignorance about gender and sexual identities perpetuates stigma and discrimination. Education, therefore, becomes a powerful tool in fostering acceptance.

ESGM tackled this issue in Eswatini by addressing the economic sector directly, educating communities and employers about sexual orientation and gender identity. This initiative was particularly important when highly qualified LGBTI+ individuals were denied jobs due to their identity. Through outreach and focus groups, ESGM created safe spaces, reshaping societal attitudes and opening doors for LGBTI+ communities to thrive.

3. Social media is a double-edged sword.

Social media can be a toxic environment for LGBTI+ individuals, with homophobic abuse and even death threats distressingly common. But it can also serve as a platform for advocacy and allyship.

Sheistah Bundoo-Deenoo explained how KDI confronts harmful discourse in Mauritius by injecting LGBTI+ perspectives into social media debates, fostering education and building alliances. Rather than retreating from online hostility, KDI aim to counterbalance negative narratives. Tebeio Tamton echoed this strategy’s success in Kiribati, where allies, including family members, have started defending LGBTI+ rights online, allowing activists to focus on other actions. This growing support boosts morale and fosters a greater sense of community.

Looking ahead, the panellists highlighted the importance of media outlets offering more space for inclusive discussions to amplify LGBTI+ voices.

4. Economic rights go hand in hand with LGBTI+ rights.

Economic empowerment is critical to advancing LGBTI+ rights. As Sheistah explained, financial independence is a key pillar of resilience and advocacy. However, Sheistah posed an important question: is Mauritius, where homosexuality was decriminalised in 2023, ready to tackle workplace homophobia through comprehensive equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives?

The answer, unfortunately, is no. While decriminalisation is a step forward, the reality is LGBTI+ individuals continue to face economic discrimination in the workplace. Harassment, exclusion from decision-making, and a hostile work environment still exist despite the progress made in law.

There is a lack of both data and efforts to address economic empowerment for LGBTI+ people in Mauritius. “We need more research, we need more data, we need to hear the voices of LGBTI[+] employees,” she concluded.

5. The existential threat climate change poses for LGBTI+ people.

For the people of Kiribati, the rising threat of climate change looms large: as Tebeio Tamton highlighted, the country is predicted to be underwater within 30 to 50 years due to rising sea levels, leading many to question the relevance of advocating for LGBTI+ rights when their homeland itself may soon vanish. Yet climate change poses unique challenges for LGBTI+ individuals, making an inclusive approach essential.

Natural disasters, for example, often exacerbate the marginalisation LGBTI+ people already face. In emergency accommodation settings, where trans individuals may be forced into spaces that do not align with their gender identity, the risks are heightened, for example. In Kiribati, where gender recognition laws do not exist, transgender women are often placed in unsafe or hostile environments during crises. Tebeio stressed the urgency of bringing this issue to the attention of world leaders, especially with CHOGM taking place in the Pacific, one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change.

To conclude, as CHOGM convenes this month, the timing of this discussion could not be more critical. The challenges raised by Zukiso, Sheistah, and Tebeio reflect the urgent need for Commonwealth leaders to prioritise LGBTI+ rights alongside other pressing global issues.

The 2024 CHOGM Shadow Report, which features the work of all three panellists, serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggles and resilience of LGBTI+ communities across the Commonwealth. By addressing these intersecting challenges—from economic discrimination to the existential threat of climate change—CHOGM presents an opportunity for global leaders to take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive future for all.