IDAHOBIT 2026: Democracy must protect all people — Not just some

As Fiji and the Pacific mark International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT Day) today (May 17), Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network is calling on leaders across the region to move beyond words and take meaningful action to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC+).

This year’s global IDAHOBIT theme — “At the heart of democracy” — is a timely reminder that democracy cannot exist selectively. A society cannot claim to uphold freedom, equality, and justice while allowing discrimination, exclusion, violence, and silence against sections of its own people.

Interim CEO Loata Tucika said democratic leadership must be measured not by political slogans or constitutional promises, but by how governments treat those who are most vulnerable.

“Across the Pacific, we continue to hear leaders speak proudly about democracy, human rights, equality, and inclusion. But too often, LGBTQIA+ Pacific Islanders remain excluded from those promises,” Ms Tucika said.

“Fragmented democracies led by fragmented leadership and inconsistent policies create dangerous futures. When governments fail to protect all citizens equally, they legitimise fear, stigma, discrimination, and violence. The consequences are not abstract — they are lived every day by young people who are bullied, families who are rejected, workers who are discriminated against, and communities who are told they do not belong.”

Ms Tucika said the Pacific was at a critical moment, warning that the growing rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and policies globally risked influencing political discourse in the region.

“The Pacific must not repeat the mistakes we are witnessing elsewhere in the world, where political leaders are weaponising identity, fear, and misinformation for power. Democracy cannot survive when leaders pick and choose whose humanity deserves protection.”

She said future generations would inherit the consequences of decisions made today.

“What kind of Pacific are we building for our children? One grounded in compassion, dignity, and justice — or one shaped by division, silence, and exclusion?”

Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network is calling on Pacific leaders, governments, faith leaders, institutions, and communities to publicly commit to concrete actions that protect people of diverse SOGIESC, including stronger anti-discrimination protections, safer schools and workplaces, accessible healthcare, legal protections, and meaningful representation in decision-making spaces.

“Leadership requires courage,” Ms Tucika said.

“We challenge every leader across Fiji and the Pacific to ask themselves: what action will you take to protect your own people — regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics? Human rights are not conditional. Democracy must belong to all of us.”

ENDS…