Parliamentarians for Global Action is pleased to announce the publication of "Promoting Inclusion for People of Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions, and Sex Characteristics: A Toolkit for Legislators in the Pacific Region.”

This resource is designed to support elected leaders across the Pacific with the knowledge, strategies, and legislative tools needed to advance greater inclusion and equality for Pacific Islanders with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (PIDSOGIESC+). The toolkit guides parliamentarians in how to take concrete action to shape more equitable communities, providing them with approaches to policy development, coalition building, and oversight that can transform how their governments serve all members of their communities.

“Our goal is to support Pacific leaders with practical, respectful guidance tailored to their national contexts,” said Melissa Verpile, program director for Democracy, Gender, and Inclusion at Parliamentarians for Global Action. “This resource gives them the tools to lead with courage, compassion, and conviction.”

Developed in close collaboration with civil society leaders, parliamentarians, and human rights experts, the resource reflects both international human rights standards and the lived experiences of PIDSOGIESC+ individuals in the region. It addresses the specific challenges parliamentarians face when navigating complex social, religious, and political landscapes while working toward inclusive governance.

From Tuvalu to Aotearoa to Papua New Guinea, Pacific cultures have long recognized diverse gender and sexual identities — like binabinaaine, takatāpui, and palopa. The laws that criminalize their expressions of intimacy are not our own — they are colonial imports. Decriminalization is not just a legal reform; it is a collective act of reclaiming our shared Pacific identity and values. Ms. Louisa Wall (New Zealand), former MP and current Women’s Chair of ILGA Oceania

The toolkit emphasizes the intersectional nature of inclusion work, particularly highlighting how PIDSOGIESC+ individuals face heightened vulnerabilities during climate-related disasters — a critical consideration for Pacific Island nations on the frontlines of climate change. The resource also explores the economic benefits of inclusion, demonstrating how non-discrimination policies contribute to stronger, more prosperous Pacific Island economies.

How You Can Use the Toolkit?

• As a reference for legislative reform and inclusive policymaking
• To inform dialogue between parliamentarians and civil society
• For capacity building and sensitization sessions with members of parliament, staff, or political party caucuses

Whether you are a lawmaker, advocate, or development partner, we invite you to explore the toolkit and share it so that we can build momentum for human rights and democratic progress in the Pacific region.

Publication

Promoting Inclusion for People of Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions, and Sex Characteristics

This toolkit for parliamentarians is designed to support legislators in promoting inclusion, equality, and dignity for PIDSOGIESC+ individuals.

Description

Pasifika societies have long embraced gender diversity through traditional identities, yet many Pacific Island nations continue to face legal, social, and cultural barriers that hinder full inclusion of people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics (PIDSOGIESC+ in communities throughout the Pacific.

This toolkit for parliamentarians is designed to support legislators in promoting inclusion, equality, and dignity for PIDSOGIESC+ individuals. Drawing on Pasifika values such as acceptance, love, humanity, and respect, the toolkit equips parliamentarians with knowledge, strategies, case studies, and legislative recommendations to advance human rights while respecting the region's cultural and religious complexities. The toolkit provides guidance on decriminalizing same-sex relationships, enacting anti-discrimination legislation, providing access to healthcare and social services for SOGIESC+ individuals, and integrating SOGIESC+ considerations into climate resilience planning. It includes sample parliamentary questions, social media messaging templates, and detailed pathways for legal reform — offering both novice and experienced legislators practical tools they can implement immediately.

Through real-world examples from countries like Fiji that have made significant progress toward inclusion, this resource demonstrates how legal reforms can lead to meaningful change. It emphasizes the unique position of parliamentarians to challenge stigma, build coalitions, and advocate for policies that ensure no one is left behind in the Pacific's journey toward greater prosperity and social justice.

PDF(s)

• English

Additional Details

• Tipo de publicación: Toolkit
• Fecha de publicación: June 2025
• Autor/es: Parliamentarians for Global Action

Latest News: SOGI CAMPAIGN

Parliamentarians from the Pacific participate in the Region’s 3rd Human Rights Conference on Inclusion of Persons of Diverse SOGIESC

PGA organized meetings for legislators to engage in dialogue on the situation of LGBTQI+ persons in Pacific Island States to effectively address pressing issues such as climate resilience, health, education and economic sustainability.

Constitutional Reform in the Caribbean: An opportunity for greater inclusion

The goal of the event was to connect parliamentarians with peers from other countries and civil society organizations in their region to generate and strengthen political will to advance equality, share best practices and lessons-learned on reforms.