Announcement: BGW Alofa Initiative Launch
The Alofa Initiative is a grassroots initiative that advocates for the human rights of youth with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
As a youth organisation, we believe in and advocate for equal access to safety, respect, safe housing, accessible health care, dignified employment, and emotional and mental wellbeing for all youth. The Alofa Initiative is a direct response to the higher risks, displacement, and hardship faced by youth with diverse SOGIESC in Samoa.
We seek first and foremost to create a safe space for our diverse SOGIESC youth to access relevant healthcare, resources, mental health services, and more. It is important that the inclusion and protection of Samoa’s SOGIESC youth is not left on the youth themselves but that the responsibility to safeguard and nurture lies within the greater Samoan community – within our organizations, schools, churches, activity groups, friendships, and homes.
A clear mission of The Alofa Initiative is to contextualise populations with diverse SOGIESC within Samoan culture and history to promote and strengthen understanding within our communities. Better understanding facilitates respect and therefore meaningful allyship.
A Special thanks: Samoa Faafafine Association Incorporated, UTOPIA SAN FRANCISCO, United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance – WA, Mele Mauala, Embassy of the Netherlands in New Zealand, New Zealand High Commission in Samoa, Australian High Commision, Jaiyah Saelua, Nevertheless, Tonga Leiti’s Association, Joey Joleen Mataele, Ratu Eroni Ledua Dina, Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network – PSGDN, Trans Affirmative Action Guild – TAAG, Samoa Red Cross Society, Samoa Performing Arts & Creative Excellence, Alex Suá, Fagalima Phinella Tuatagaloa, Louisa Wall, Resitara Apa, Taffy Mae, Palisi Te’o, Yandall Isyss Viena, Yvette Alaalatoa Griffiths, Mathew Amituanai, Robbie Allen, Temple Leaupepetele, Jocelynette Leilua, Prince Vaa Soi Lalovi.