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.