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.