“Trans & Mauritian citizenship”. This is the theme of a campaign by Collectif Arc-en-Ciel (CAEC) to raise public awareness of the discrimination and prejudice faced by transgender people in our society. In addition to posters in public spaces, this initiative also includes videos that will be broadcast on social networks. Running throughout March 2024, the campaign aims to deconstruct preconceptions and stereotypes in order to combat transphobic acts and behavior.
Through this project, supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the Australian High Commission in Mauritius, the CAEC hopes to change the way people look at transgender people by highlighting significant stories and life paths. Several well-known figures from the transgender community will be contributing their voices to the campaign, including Emma, a young activist, and Océane, one of the pioneers in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in Mauritius. They will testify to the discrimination and stigmatization that affect them on a daily basis. Transphobia takes many forms, from physical and sexual violence to mockery and insults, threats and harassment.
These acts have serious consequences for the physical and mental health of transgender people, as Hans Telvave, activist and coordinator of this project, explains: “There is a real lack of understanding of what transidentity is. This leads not only to misunderstandings, but also to prejudice and discrimination that affect transgender people in their everyday lives. These discriminations include non-legal recognition of their gender identity, and unequal access to healthcare, employment and education”.
In addition to raising awareness, the campaign also includes a plea for equal rights. Despite changing attitudes towards gays, lesbians and bisexuals, transgender people remain vulnerable in the absence of adequate legal protection. Administrative recognition of their gender identity is crucial to the respect of their human rights.
This project is supported by the Australian and Canadian governments. “Australia is committed to being a world leader in the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights. This includes defending the rights of LGBTQIA+ people: at home, in our region and around the world. We’re not doing this because we’re perfect, but because our recent history has shown that positive change is possible – and that progress in tackling the social stigma and legal discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia has made this country a better place for everyone,” argues Australia’s High Commission in Mauritius.
“The Government of Canada is a strong advocate for the rights of LGBTQI+ people at home and abroad, including Mauritius. We firmly believe that human rights principles are universal and inalienable. No one should be subjected to prejudice because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We will continue to work with like-minded countries and civil society organizations such as the Collectif Arc-en-Ciel, to demonstrate our commitment to full respect for the rights and dignity of the transgender community,” says Canada’s High Commission in South Africa.
The ultimate aim of the campaign is to encourage the public to gain a better understanding of transidentity, and to engage in a process of acceptance and respect for differences. “We would like to thank our partners in this campaign, the Canadian Fund for Social Initiatives and the Australian High Commission in Mauritius, as well as our many allies in the fight for the rights of transgender people”, concludes Hans Telvav.
