We are seeing a lot of united activity and support for ‘give nothing to racism’ and the ‘black lives matters’ movements, and even incredible support for the Muslim community here in New Zealand following the Christchurch mosque shooting last year. 

But are the rights of transgender people still being left behind? Those who identify as being in the Rainbow community or LGBTQI are more likely to be bullied at school, have higher rates of depressive symptoms and are five times more likely to suicide. 

Phylesha Acton Brown has dedicated over 20 years of her life advocating for the rights of the Pacific LGBTQI+ community. She is the founder and director of F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa, who are funded under Whanau Ora, who provide navigational support services to Pacific LGBTQI+ peoples and their families in the Auckland region. A board member of the Auckland Pride Festival, last year she became a recipient of the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit last year.