Disability Pride Hub

Workshop on the Intersections of SOGIESC, Disability and HIV/AIDS

Date: 26 September 2026

On 26 September 2026, Disability Pride Hub (DPH) organised a workshop on “Awareness of the Intersections of SOGIESC, Disability and HIV/AIDS.” The workshop brought together DPH members to strengthen their understanding of s*xual orientation, gender identity and expression, s*x characteristics (SOGIESC), disability, HIV/AIDS, and s*xual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

The objectives of the workshop were to:

1. Understand the basic concepts of SOGIESC and disability and how they can intersect.
2. Identify stigma, discrimination, and barriers faced by SOGIESC persons with disabilities.
3. Increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, including prevention, testing, treatment, and support.
4. Discuss the importance of accessible and inclusive HIV and SRHR information and services.
5. Identify ways DPH members can promote inclusion, dignity, confidentiality, and non-discrimination.
6. Strengthen peer support and advocacy within the DPH community.

DPH acknowledges and appreciates the support of the HIV Unit, Central Division, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, for providing free HIV testing to Western and Northern DPH members who attended the training. This support helped participants access important health services in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

DPH also extends its sincere appreciation to APCOM for providing the funding opportunity that enabled DPH to conduct this important SRHR and SOGIESC training. The support contributed to strengthening the knowledge, confidence, and advocacy capacity of DPH members and advancing a more inclusive approach to HIV and SRHR services for SOGIESC persons with disabilities.

No one is left behind.

Meet Etika "Eve" Naqio, a Deaf trans woman who is using sport to champion inclusion, equality and belonging across Fiji.

Originally from Lovoni, Ovalau, Eve first discovered table tennis alongside other Deaf peers and has been involved with the Smash Down Barriers program for more than a decade.

Along the way, she has become a respected advocate for Deaf, disability and LGBTQIA+ communities, using sports to bring people together and create spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Through her volunteer work with Fiji Deaf Table Tennis and the Smash Down Barriers program, Eve has helped build connections and lasting friendships while encouraging greater participation and inclusion for people who are often excluded from sports and community life.

"True equality and inclusion begin with unity, we're all human, and we all belong," says Eve. Vinaka vakalevu, Eve.

Smash Down Barriers is proudly supported by the Australian Government through Team Up.

Learn more about Smash Down Barriers Fiji here: https://www.teamup.gov.au/programs/smash-down-barriers-fiji

Team UpAustralian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Disability Pride Hub (DPH) Participation in the HIV Symposium and PSGDN NMO Activities.

The DPH Co-Lead, Mr. SEN, and DPH Project Officer, Mr. NABAINIVALU, represented Disability Pride Hub (DPH) at the HIV Symposium held from 17–18 August 2026 at the Sheraton Hotel, Nadi.

The four-day engagement provided an important opportunity for DPH to participate in regional discussions, share experiences, strengthen partnerships, and advocate for inclusive HIV services and safe spaces for persons with disabilities and PIDSOGIESC+ communities.

16 August 2026 – Community Police Dialogue

The programme commenced with an evening dialogue from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, organised by the PSGDN NMO. Representatives engaged with the Police through the CSO Office to discuss the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for PIDSOGIESC+ members, including persons with disabilities.

The discussion provided an opportunity to raise concerns, strengthen understanding, and explore ways to improve safety, protection, accessibility, and support for our communities.

17–18 August 2026 – HIV Symposium

From 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, DPH participated in the two-day HIV Symposium, which brought together medical students, doctors, people living with HIV, peer-to-peer educators, community nurses, dentists, HIV community advocates, SOGIESC-with-disability representatives, LGBTIQ+ communities, and other stakeholders from across the region and internationally.

The symposium provided a valuable platform for participants to share their work, experiences, advocacy, and community-based approaches to supporting people affected by HIV.

Panel discussions also presented HIV data and statistics from different countries, highlighting the ongoing impact of HIV and the importance of accessible prevention, testing, treatment, care, and support services.

19 August 2026 – PSGDN NMO Interaction and Talanoa

On 19 August 2026, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, PSGDN NMO members participated in interaction, discussion, and talanoa sessions which provided a safe space for everyone'swho shared they journey of life's and the communities work.

The day's programme concluded with the launch of the PSGDN Strategic Plan 2025–2030, followed by an evening cocktail attended by special guests, partners, donors, CSOs, and PIDSOGIESC+ community members.

This was an important opportunity to celebrate the collective work of the network and strengthen our commitment to advancing inclusion, equality, health, safety, and human rights throughout the Pacific.

A special vinaka vakalevu to the PSGDN Board Chair, Board Members, CEO and staff, as well as the Rainbow Pride Foundation (RPF) and HEM organisations, for providing DPH with the opportunity to participate in this important regional platform.

This experience has strengthened DPH's commitment to ensuring that accessible, inclusive, and community-centred services remain a priority for DPH members and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

Let us continue to work together to create safe spaces for everyone, strengthen inclusive services, and ensure that no one is left behind.

Know your status. Get tested. Stay informed. Support one another.

Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network - PSGDN
Health Equity Matters
SRH and HIV Unit Fiji
Fiji Network Plus

Vinaka vakalevu.

“ONE VOICE , ONE PEOPLE SHAPING OUR FUTURE”

DPH representatives for the Youth Consultation with COP31 PYCC are Mr. Osea and Ms. Kuini with FAD Rep, Ms. Lavenia on Thursday, 16 July, 2026- As part of COP31 Presidency Youth Climate Champion Sally Higgins visit to the Pacific, UNICEF Pacific and We the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) convened young leaders in Fiji on the climate challenges shaping their communities and their vision for the future.

“Young people shared their lived experiences of climate change - from impacts on their homes, cultures and opportunities to the priorities and solutions they want to see reflected in global climate action.”

Our messages will help amplify Pacific youth perspectives in the lead-up to PreCOP31 and COP31, ensuring that young people from the frontlines of the climate crisis are meaningfully included in decisions that affect their future.

On the sidelines of , we met with the Disability Pride Hub. They are the only organization of persons with disabilities focused on intersectional advocacy on disability and + issues in the Pacific region--and a DRF grantee. Krishneer Sen, the Hub’s Co-lead, explained their goals for the conference as building bridges with other communities and movements, inserting themselves into regional and global advocacy efforts on s*xual and reproductive health and other priorities for their movement, to make them accessible and disability inclusive.

#womendeliver #lgbtqi #wd2026 #disabilitypride #pacificislands | Disability Rights Fund On the sidelines of , we met with the Disability Pride Hub. They are the only organization of persons with disabilities focused on intersectional advocacy on disability and + issues in the Pacific region--and a DRF grantee. Krishneer Sen, the Hub’s Co-lead, explained their goal...

DPH Project Team members, Ms. Gael Seru and Ms. Eve Naqio , departed today for Sydney before transiting to Colombo, Sri Lanka to attend the Urgent Action Fund consultations. The week-long consultation will bring together organizations that have received grants to share experiences, strengthen partnerships, and discuss future collaboration.

This trip marks a significant milestone for DPH's project work, particularly in advancing the rights and inclusion of the Transwomen community, while also supporting broader SOGIESC-related initiatives for persons with disabilities.

We wish Ms. Gael and Ms. Eve a safe journey, productive consultations, and a peaceful trip. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for safe travels and a successful mission.

Safe travels, and all the best! ✈️🙏

DPH and FAD members are at the Fiji National University Nasinu Campus Sports and Wellness Centre for the Let's Talk Period Festival!

Join us and hear from some valued partners of FWRM, including the IPPF Sub-Regional Office for the Pacific, Alliance for Future Generations Fiji, Young Feminist Network, Emerging Leaders Forum Alumni, the Fijian Elections Office, and many more.

Explore the information booths, connect with organizations, participate in activities, and learn more about menstrual health, rights, and wellbeing.

📍 Venue: Fiji National University, Nasinu Campus Sports and Wellness Centre
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through UNFPA Pacific and Women's Fund Fiji.

Day 3 – Governance and Leadership Training
Saturday, 13 June 2026

The final day of the Governance and Leadership Training was successfully facilitated by Mr. Isoa Nabainivalu and Ms. Benjamin Patel.

The morning session began with a reflection on Day 2, where participants enthusiastically shared their key learnings and experiences from the previous day's sessions. It was encouraging to hear participants explain how their understanding of governance, leadership, SRHR, SOGIESC, and disability inclusion had grown throughout the training.

Following the reflection, participants who had received small business grants shared updates on their progress. They expressed their appreciation to DPH for the financial support, which enabled them to start and strengthen their small businesses. Their success stories highlighted the positive impact of investing in community empowerment and economic independence.

We were also privileged to have a Safeguarding presentation by Mr. Krishneer Sen, who emphasized the importance of safeguarding and ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone, particularly within sporting and community environments.

Later, Ms. Jasmine Kaur from Oceania Pride delivered an informative presentation on the preparations for the upcoming Disability+ Conference, providing participants with valuable insights into regional disability and LGBTQI+ advocacy initiatives.

As the training concluded, we extended our sincere gratitude to all participants, members, allies, facilitators, and partners who contributed to the success of this three-day Governance and Leadership Training. Special thanks to DRF for the funding opportunity, which made this training possible for members and allies from the Western, Central, and Northern Divisions.

DPH encourages all participants to return to their communities and share the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained throughout the training, helping to strengthen inclusive leadership and advocacy across Fiji.

Thank you all for your participation and commitment.

Safe travels home everyone.

Moce mada & sota tale!

DIVA for Equality FIJI Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network - PSGDN Krishneer Sen Benjamin Patel Gael Seru Isoa Nabainivalu