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 critical platform where we can advocate for policy changes that can potentially transform the lives of LGBTI+ communities across the Commonwealth. This is especially vital in regions like the Pacific, where our voices and concerns are often marginalised or overlooked. The Commonwealth Equality Network’s presence at CHOGM is essential for pushing forward an agenda that focuses on equality, dignity, and justice for all, and this year’s meeting, taking place in the Pacific, brings even greater significance.
CHOGM brings together leaders from all 56 Commonwealth nations, including Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers, and high-level policymakers. This unique gathering provides an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with those who have the power to influence laws and policies that impact LGBTI+ communities. For many of us, CHOGM offers one of the few chances to make our voices heard at the highest levels of government. We can advocate for the rights of those who have long been denied basic protections, and we can push for meaningful change in areas such as law reform, health justice, and climate resilience.
For me, this work is not just a professional responsibility; it is deeply personal. As a transgender woman from Tonga and the Executive Director of the Tonga Leitis Association (TLA), I have faced many of the same challenges that LGBTI+ communities across the Pacific encounter daily. My advocacy is rooted in the cultural traditions of Tonga, guided by the four core values of our life—Fefaka’apa’apa’aki (mutual respect), Feveitokai’aki (sharing and cooperation), Lototoo (humility and generosity), and Tauhi vaha’a (loyalty and commitment). These values are central to my work, and navigating them while advocating for gender equality and LGBTI+ rights has been a delicate but crucial balance. It is about honouring our heritage while creating inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of their identity, is treated with respect and dignity.
Through The Commonwealth Equality Network, we’ve made significant strides in addressing the rights and well-being of LGBTI+ communities in the Pacific and beyond. One of the initiatives I’m particularly proud of is our work with local leaders, including influential church groups, to initiate critical conversations about the issues faced by the rainbow family.
Collaborating with women’s organisations, such as the Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) and the youth-led Take The Lead, has also been instrumental in our advocacy. These partnerships have allowed us to work intersectionally, bringing together diverse voices to push for legal reforms. For example, we successfully advocated for a redefinition of rape in Tongan law, a significant step toward ensuring that our legal framework better protects all individuals, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Additionally, with support secured through the Network, we have translated the UN SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) guidelines into the Tongan language, making this critical information accessible to a broader audience. We are now working on distributing these guidelines across Tonga’s districts, raising awareness and educating people on the importance of inclusivity and equal rights.
At CHOGM, the Network will focus on four priority areas that reflect the most pressing challenges facing LGBTI+ communities: law reform, health justice, climate resilience, and sustainable funding for LGBTI+ organisations. Law reform remains a crucial issue, especially in the Pacific, where colonial-era laws continue to criminalise same-sex relationships and perpetuate discrimination against LGBTI+ people. I am hopeful that with CHOGM taking place in the Pacific, we can engage our regional leaders, particularly from countries like the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu, to address these outdated and harmful laws.
Climate change poses an urgent threat to the Pacific, and it is vital that marginalised communities, including LGBTI+ people, are included in global solutions. Our advocacy at CHOGM will emphasise the need for climate resilience strategies that protect all citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In addition, we will continue to push for health justice, ensuring that LGBTI+ individuals have equitable access to healthcare, and for sustainable funding that supports the vital work of LGBTI+ organisations across the Commonwealth.
CHOGM also provides an invaluable platform for TCEN to network with other civil society organisations, government officials, and Commonwealth institutions, fostering collaboration on shared goals. Events like the People’s Forum, Youth Forum, and Women’s Forum highlight the intersectionality of our work and ensure that LGBTI+ voices are heard across a broad range of policy areas. These spaces allow us to build alliances and strengthen our collective efforts to create a more just and inclusive Commonwealth.
Ultimately, The Commonwealth Equality Network’s work at CHOGM is about more than just policy. It is about ensuring that LGBTI+ voices from across the Commonwealth, particularly from marginalised regions like the Pacific, are heard and that our needs are addressed. It is about fighting for a future where equality, dignity, and justice are not just aspirations but realities for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I am committed to continuing this fight, and I believe that TCEN’s presence at CHOGM will be a powerful catalyst for the change we seek.