Lady Rhonda Dina Photo: Ambassade de France aux Fidji
Rainbow Pride Foundation board director Lady Rhonda Dina says Pride Month is a "powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance and inequality" faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
On 13 June, the French Embassy in Fiji, in collaboration with the Alliance Française de Suva, and the Rainbow Pride Foundation launched the 'Fiji Pride 2024' to mark Pride Month, which is celebrated in the month of June every year.
The event - attended by over 70 people - included the screening of the movie Les Crevettes Paillettées (The Shiny Shrimps), followed by a panel discussion on 'LGBTQIA+ discrimination in Sports: Breaking barriers and promoting inclusion'.
"Pride Month is not just a celebration, but a celebration of diversity and love," Dina said.
"It is time to honour the progress that we have made to reaffirm our commitment to create a more inclusive society for all.
"As we stand united in solidarity, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and recognise the strength that comes from diversity; together we can build a more inclusive world where everyone is free to be themselves without fear of discrimination or prejudice."
Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June every year. Photo: Ambassade de France aux Fidji
The panel featured diverse group of speakers, including LGBTQ+ athletes, sports professionals, activists, and representatives from relevant organisations.
"The discussions provided a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches to promoting inclusion in sports, and facilitate networking opportunities among stakeholders committed to advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the sporting sphere," the French Embassy said.
French Embassy chargé d'affaires Laurence Brattin Nerrière said France has long been a champion of LGBTQ+ rights globally.
"We continue to strive for a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live with dignity and respect," she said.
Brattin Nerrière said 2024 was significant for France as it hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"It's a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity in sports, a theme we hold dear tonight (last Thursday)," she said.
The event - attended by over 70 people - included the screening of the movie Les Crevettes Paillettées (The Shiny Shrimps), followed by a panel discussion on 'LGBTQIA+ discrimination in Sports: Breaking barriers and promoting inclusion'. Photo: Ambassade de France aux Fidji