16 May 2013

Drodrolagi Movement says Fiji's LGBT communities face discrimination

5:00 am on 16 May 2013

A support group for gay students in Fiji says the country's homosexual and transgender people still face a lot of discrimination from the general public.

Kris Prasad, who is the spokesperson for the Drodrolagi Movement, says Fiji is a very conservative country and the issue of homosexual and transgender rights is a taboo subject.

He says the movement has organised a series of events this week to mark Friday's International Day against homophobia and transphobia.

Mr Prasad says he hopes the events will encourage Fijians to educate themselves about sexual orientation and gender identity issues.

"I'd like to see people actually standing up against homophobia and transphobia because at the end of the day people are facing discrimination and it is important that we recognise that people are allowed to have their opinion or whatever belief they have but that should not be a reason to deny anyone the same equal dignity and respect they deserve."

Kris Prasad says he hopes to encourage people to talk about the issue and end the discrimination in Fiji.