ILGA Oceania's New Journey in the Pacific:
Welcoming Teri’ihauroa Luciani and Kris Prasad
Papeete, Tahiti (French Polynesia) Monday, March 25th 2024 ILGA Oceania proudly announces the establishment of its offices and the recruitment of two esteemed individuals to lead its efforts in promoting human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals in the Oceania / Pacific.
Hailing from French Polynesia and Fiji respectively, Teri’ihauroa and Kris bring a wealth of experience and passion to their roles at ILGA Oceania. Their appointments mark a significant milestone in ILGA Oceania's commitment to amplifying LGBTIQ+ voices and advancing human rights across Oceania.
Teriihauroa Luciani joins ILGA Oceania as the Executive Officer. Hailing from French Polynesia, Teri’ihauroa is a highly experienced activist with over 27 years of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. He has held prominent positions in various LGBTIQ+ organisations, including serving as the president of Cousins de Cousines Tahiti and the local AIDS organisation Agir contre le SIDA. Teri’ihauroa's leadership extends regionally and internationally, having served as Vice President of Alliance LGBT+ Franco Océanienne and as a board member of ÉGIDES. His appointment marks a significant milestone in ILGA Oceania's commitment to amplifying LGBTIQ+ voices in the Pacific.
"Joining ILGA Oceania is an honour and a privilege. I am committed to advancing the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the Oceania / Pacific and ensuring that our diverse communities are heard and represented," said Teri’ihauroa.
Kris Prasad assumes the role of Regional Program Manager, bringing over 14 years of grassroots advocacy experience in democracy, human rights, and social justice in Fiji. As a queer Indo-Fijian and a descendant of Girmitiyas, Kris is deeply committed to advancing LGBTIQ+ rights in the Pacific. With a background in gender equality and social inclusion, Kris has worked on several initiatives in international development and is currently coordinating the 3rd Pacific Human Rights Conference on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression, slated for April 2024 in Nadi. His appointment underscores ILGA Oceania's dedication to fostering inclusive and equitable societies.
"I am excited to join ILGA Oceania in its mission to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Together, we will work tirelessly to advocate for the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the Oceania Pacific region, including our unique communities such as sister girls, brother boys, takatāpui, whakawāhine, tangata ira tāne, mahu, vakasalewalewa, palopa, fakaleiti, akava'ine, fa'afafine, and fakafifine" Kris added.
Both bring a wealth of experience and dedication to championing equality and justice for all.
"The recruitment of Teri’i and Kris and the establishment of our offices mark a significant milestone in our organisation's journey," says ILGA Oceania's Board Co-Chairs, Ken Moala and Margherita Coppolino.
"Their expertise and passion will be instrumental in advancing our mission of promoting human rights and equality for all individuals across the Oceania region."
About ILGA Oceania: ILGA Oceania is a regional chapter of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA World), dedicated to advocating for the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals in the Oceania Pacific region.
For more information, please contact:
Teri’ihauroa Luciani, Executive Officer, ILGA Oceania, +689 8950 1815
Margherita Coppolino, ILGA Oceania Co-Chair, +61 412 854 639
Ken Moala, ILGA Oceania Co-Chair, +61 451 122 293
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