Alipate Laveti/Oxfam
Impact stories
Partnering with LGBTQIA+ communities in Fiji
When the Covid-19 pandemic swept the globe, livelihoods in Fiji were impacted and existing food insecurity issues facing the queer community increased. Oxfam partner Rainbow Pride Foundation and the Nadi Pride Hub is working with queer communities in Fiji to overcome this.
What is the Nadi Pride Hub?
The Nadi Pride Hub is a group of LGBTQIA+ people living in Nadi and nearby villages in Fiji. Many of them worked in the tourism sector until Covid-19 hit.
PRIDE farms for food security
Poasa is a member of Oxfam’s local partner Rainbow Pride Foundation (RPF). They provided funding to LGBTQIA+ people in the area and helped to establish two PRIDE farms.
In collaboration with landowners and Nadi Pride Hub members, they identified vacant lands that could be farmed, providing the queer community with a direct or alternative source of food and income.
Harvests are distributed to members of the Pride Hub and people in the community who have been widowed. Other vegetables, such as cassava, are sold and the funds are invested back into the farm, or as stipends for the youth who like to help.
Alipate Laveti/Oxfam
The people who used to be against us, their perceptions of us have now changed. It’s completely changed their views. Now when we walk by their houses, they call out to us to come and have something to eat. That’s how things have changed.”
Poasa on the PRIDE farm that he oversees in the village of Nakavu in Nadi, Fiji.
Many of the members and volunteers have since returned to their day-to-day work, yet Poasa continues to farm the land with support from his family and younger members of the community.
“My plan is just based according to what I can accomplish now… The first of my plans is to plough the field to plant cassava and other cash crops that are eaten daily and that are therefore easy to sell.”
Poasa, member of Rainbow Pride Foundation.
About Rainbow Pride Foundation
In Fiji, Oxfam partner Rainbow Pride Foundation is working to build a better financial future for the LGBTQIA+ community. In partnership with local organisations, they supported the Shifting Power Shifting Voices project that challenged harmful social norms and attitudes in Fiji.
Together they supported the efforts to advance the economic empowerment of:
- LGBTQIA+ people
- women
- people living with disabilities
- other marginalised groups.
The Queerpreneurs project
Alongside the PRIDE farms, the Rainbow Pride Foundation’s impactful work with LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs is also making a difference.
Alipate Laveti/Oxfam
I think that's one of the biggest impacts that it's had. Like even for me, on a personal level, I think it's really removed that fear in me that as a queer person I can still run a business.”
Benamin is a Queerpreneurs Expo organiser and participant.
Oxfam acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
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