MVPFAFF people were an accepted part of Pacific life and culture prior to Western colonisation, but have faced stigma and discrimination in more recent times. Research shows that HIV resilient societies are societies that are safe and supportive of everyone. Because of existing stigma and discrimination, it is vitally important that mainstream communities in Aotearoa and the Pacific develop supportive environments for sexual minorities.
Events like Love Life 4 give our communities a voice and strength that at other times is easily marginalised or can go unheard. Love Life4 is about empowering our MVPFAFF brothers and sisters to believe in themselves and in their place in this world.
The goal of every Love Life Fono is that by the end of the event, participants will have the skills to develop programmes that they can lead in eliminating cultural and social barriers to the health and wellbeing of MVPFAFF communities.
The Fono took place on 17-20 November at Makaurau marae in Auckland. Check out the photos here.
