The Drodrolagi Movement (droMo) celebrated its first birthday on Tuesday 27 th September 2011 with an afternoon tea with members, allies and friends at the Citizens' Constitutional Forum's Outdoor Space in Suva, Fiji.
droMo is a social, support and educational network of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) students at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus, Fiji, and their allies and friends.
Reflecting on the first twelve months, droMo President Kris Prasad said it had been a challenging yet positive year for the group.
"It has not been easy with the homophobic intimidation, emotional bullying and opposition that we have faced but we are thriving thanks to the dedication and courage of droMo members and support from allies such as the NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR), Youth Coalition Fiji and wider civil society and community in Fiji and abroad."
NGOCHR Chair and Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali congratulated droMo on this milestone.
"The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is proud to have the Drodrolagi Movement as a member and urges everyone to promote, protect and respect the human rights of all people regardless of who they are. droMo must be commended for its perseverance and for putting LGBTI rights on everyone's agenda."
Hibiscus King 2011 Mr Youth Coalition Fiji Peter Waqavonovono said that human rights are about respect and accepting people for who they are.
"Because of homophobia, many citizens in Fiji are denied their rights and face discriminatory practices. We owe it to ourselves to learn to protect each other and enable everyone to contribute positively to society regardless of their differences," he added.
"The way ahead for droMo is challenging and exciting", said Kris Prasad. "We look forward to building our strong youth and community movement and working on social justice and human rights for those with diverse sex, sexual orientation and gender identity," he added.
Drodrolagi is the Fijian word for "rainbow".