a man sitting outside, facing away from the camera and smiling.

Tebeio is a founder of BIMBA—the only LGBT community in Kiribati. Credit: Aimee Han/Oxfam

Impact stories

Supporting LGBTQIA+ communities in Kiribati

In Kiribati, a remote island nation in the central Pacific Ocean, male homosexuality remains illegal.

Tebeio, cofounder of BIMBA, the only LGBTQIA+ community in Kiribati, is campaigning to change this.

LGBTQIA+ rights in Kiribati

In Kiribati, LGBTQIA+ rights are mixed, and discrimination is common. Male homosexuality is illegal, however this law is not enforced in practice. Employment discrimination based upon sexuality has been outlawed since 2015.

Kiribati is also home to a traditional transgender community, which acknowledges third-gender identities distinctive from Western perceptions of gender identity. Binabinaine are assigned male at birth, but express their gender in a non-traditionally masculine way. This term encompasses gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and other gender diverse people.

“

Being a binabinaine is still stigmatised, and discriminated against, some of our members are still facing violence.”

Tebeio, BIMBA cofounder.

BIMBA's advocacy

BIMBA is supported by Oxfam and campaigns for LGBTQIA+ rights in Kiribati. This work includes:

  • Campaigning for the decriminalization of homosexuality.
  • Raising awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Organising Pride events, such as parades and fashion shows.
  • Working with the government and church to elevate LGBTQIA+ voices.

BIMBA is also encouraging its members to attend training workshops to learn more about the climate crisis, and how they can fight it.

“

Some of our members are losing land to coastal erosion. Some of us do not have access to food. For us, it would be great to work on climate change so that our members can do both; advocate for human rights and, of course, climate change.”

Tebeio in Kiribati

BIMBA is one of many grassroots organisations Oxfam is supporting in Kiribati, as part of our work uplifting the diverse leadership of vulnerable groups, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, who are most impacted by climate change.

Aimee Han/Oxfam

An image of a sandy beach with mangroves planted in the foreground and lush greenery visible in the background.

Kiribati is a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean. Its low elevation above sea level makes it one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.

Working towards a fairer future

Tebeio hopes BIMBA can continue advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in local communities, using tools such as social media to raise awareness, and collaborating with church leaders to challenge stigma.

Tebeio has already noticed positive change, but there is still so far left to go.

“

A lot of us still face that: being discriminated against, violence and stigma. Compared to ten years ago, I would say that the binabinaine are more visible, more recognised by government and churches.”

Tebeio, cofounder of BIMBA.

Aimee Han/Oxfam

a man stood outside, facing the camera.

Tebeio in Tarawa, Kiribati.

Oxfam acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).