A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

Working to uphold the human rights of LGBTI+ people across the Commonwealth.
Learn more

30 of the 56 Commonwealth member
states criminalise same-sex intimacy.

The Commonwealth Equality Network envisions a Commonwealth free from discrimination and violence on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.

WHO WE ARE

Countries

Organisations

OUR MISSION

We are an inclusive network that promotes cooperation, understanding and solidarity among diverse LGBTI+ organisations to collectively defend the rights and equality of LGBTI+ people throughout the Commonwealth.

OUR VISION

A Commonwealth free from discrimination and violence on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics.

OUR IMPACT

OUR MEMBERS

Our network is a mosaic of organisations working together for a Commonwealth free from violence and discrimination against LGBTI+ people.
members-graphic

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

EQUAL GROUND

EQUAL GROUND is a nonprofit organisation seeking economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning/Queer (LGBTIQ) community of Sri Lanka.

Eswatini Sexual & Gender Minorities

We are a human rights community based advocacy organisation with the goal to advance the protection of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and intersex persons in the kingdom of Eswatini.

NEWS

The Benefits of Sustainable Funding for LGBTQ+ Organizations and Communities

Dane Lewis, CariFLAGS Civil society organisations (CSOs) play a crucial role in providing essential services, advocacy and support to LGBTI+ communities, especially in regions where discrimination, stigma, and legal challenges persist. However, insecure and shrinking...

The Burden of Health Justice for LGBTI+ Communities: A Perspective from Yvee Oduor

Contributed by: Yvee Oduor For Yvee Oduor, health justice is more than just access to healthcare—it’s about the recognition, dignity and inclusion of gender and sexual minorities in systems that have long marginalised and excluded them. As a gender non-conforming...

The Commonwealth Equality Network: Advocating for LGBTI+ Rights at CHOGM

Contributed by: Joleen Mataele As the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) approaches, I feel an immense sense of responsibility as the incoming Chairperson of The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN). This is not just another conference—it is a rare and...

From partying at Pride to changing the law – the journey towards advancing LGBTI+ rights in Mauritius

By Abdool Ridwan (Ryan) Firaas Ah Seek, President, Collectif Arc-en-Ciel This article from one of The Commonwealth Equality Network's members, Collectif Arc-en-Ciel, first appeared on the Royal Commonwealth Society's Commonwealth Youth and Gender Equality Network...

Statement from the Commonwealth Equality Network on Ghana’s Anti-LGBTI+ Bill

The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) strongly condemns the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill by the parliament of Ghana. This Bill, which imposes severe penalties including imprisonment for identifying as LGBTI+, forming or funding...

Reflections on Advocacy Week

Alistair Stewart, Head of The Commonwealth Equality Network Secretariat From Monday 29 January to Thursday 1 February the Management Committee of the Commonwealth Equality Network convened in London, England for their annual Advocacy Week. This was the first Advocacy...

Challenging laws and changing perceptions in Kiribati

Tebeio Tamton is the Co-Founder of Boutokaan Inaomataia ao Mauriia Binabinaine Association (BIMBA), an LGBT+ advocacy and activism civil society organisation that is a member of The Commonwealth Equality Network. BIMBA works to end violence and discrimination...

The Commonwealth Equality Network welcomes the removal of anti-LGBTI+ law in Mauritius

Decision of the Supreme Court is an historic moment in the fight for LGBTI+ equality in the Commonwealth The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) welcomes the decision of Mauritius’ Supreme Court, ruling that a law criminalising same-sex sexual activity between men is...

TCEN statement on passage of Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda

The Commonwealth Equality Network (TCEN) is devastated to learn of the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda. We stand in solidarity with LGBTI+ Ugandans, who were already criminalised and now face even harsher penalties simply for being who they are. As...

Religion and LGBTI+ rights in the Commonwealth

It is undeniable that religion and LGBTI+ rights have what can only be described as a ‘difficult relationship’. Across the Commonwealth, leaders from many different mainstream religions have argued that their faith justifies discrimination, stigma and even violence...
Divider