Twenty-seven Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer (LBQ+) feminists from ten Pacific Island nations gathered in Nadi, Fiji, for the second Pacific LBQ Working Group: Feminist Strategy Meeting, held from January 21 to 23, 2026. The event provided a platform for members from LBQ activist groups representing American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, and West Papua to share their diverse identities, experiences, and the unique political contexts they navigate.
This meeting followed an inaugural session in November 2024, also in Fiji, and was co-convened by DIVA for Equality and ILGA Oceania. The Working Group was formed during the third Pacific Human Rights Conference on SOGIESC in April 2024, where shared priorities among participants were identified.
The atmosphere in Nadi radiated strength and unity, with attendees aiming to address critical issues affecting their communities. The meeting plays an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of activist groups in the region as they engage in ongoing struggles for social justice.
Discussions were centered around intersectional feminist leadership, emphasizing Pacific worldviews, and focused on decolonial resistance and collective care. Participants addressed significant issues impacting their movements, including safety, sustainability, and the need for long-term community engagement. They were encouraged to enhance their skills and knowledge to pursue feminist-led initiatives contextualized within their Pacific settings.
In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Jennifer Lalonde, the High Commissioner of Canada to Fiji, underscored the importance of the meeting, stating, “This gathering celebrates the leadership, solidarity, and voices of Pacific LBQ communities, whose work and courage are shaping a stronger, more inclusive Pacific.” Canada expressed its pride in supporting these initiatives through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The Working Group stressed the value of connection and collaboration, with activists regularly convening online to share insights and maximize advocacy opportunities at various levels. Noelene Nabulivou, Co-Executive Director of DIVA for Equality in Fiji, highlighted the challenges faced by LBQ feminist organizers, such as limited resources and growing external pressures.
Significant progress has already been made, including the group’s historic statement to the United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity regarding violence and discrimination against LBQ women. This statement is scheduled for presentation at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026.
Participant testimonies further showcased the platform’s significance. Louisa Wall, Women’s Chair of ILGA Oceania, noted that the meeting serves not only as a space for advocacy but also for visibility and recognition of Indigenous LBQ peoples across the Pacific. Melania Tanoa, a representative for LBQ+ women with disabilities, highlighted how the environment fosters her feminist capacity, emphasizing the need for education and empowerment.
Fijian feminist activist Ilisapeci Delaibatiki reflected on the importance of regional solidarity, while Janette Olliver from the Cook Islands emphasized the opportunity to unite, share knowledge, and develop informed responses to the unique challenges faced by LBQ women, whose voices are often marginalized.
Organizers at the meeting are tackling pervasive issues such as criminalization, misogyny, and the effects of climate change, recognizing their roles as frontline advocates in confronting these global challenges. The Working Group envisions a future where all Pacific people, irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, can live with safety, dignity, and self-determination. This vision reinforces the commitment to creating inclusive futures where every voice is heard and valued, embodying hope and resilience among LBQ+ communities in the region.