The gay community in Fiji celebrated the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia in Suva last week.

Some of the events had to be cancelled due to bad weather but that didn’t mean people couldn’t come together and mark the occasion.

The event was organized by three networks that works on the rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, Inquisitive and Queer.

The Drodrolagi Movement, Haus of Khameleon and the Emerging Leaders Forum Alumni.

Kris Prasad from the Drodrolagi Movement believes there still is violence, stigma and discriminations against this minority community.

Prasad says people who are gay or transgender have the same aspirations as any other Fijian…but they struggle with discrimination.

If you want to be talking about freedom and equality for all Fijians, that includes equality for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Inquisitive and Queer Fijians as well so we should be talking about the issues and getting to know more about the work that needs to be done.

The reigning Adi Senikau Benjamin Patel has urged people to be open minded.

You have a right to your opinion, whatever it is, whether you are homophobic or transphobic that’s entirely up to you but before you decide to hate an individual or a community or a group of people based on a difference. Whether its religion or sexual orientation whatever it is please try and put yourself in their shoes.

Under the Crimes Decree 2010, private, adult, consensual and non-commercial male and female homosexual conduct is legal.

The International Day is the commemoration of the World Health Organisation’s May 17, 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders