PAST EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
Arcoiris Timor-Leste team, supported LGBTIQ couple to renovate their house in the month of Feb-March 2025. Arcoiris supported six LGBTIQ community members for their emergency needs. Moreover, 10 community members from Dili are being offered small financial support to meet their emergency needs i.e., preparing documents, pay school fee and for income generation activities.
Arcoiris Timor-Leste conducting socialization about human rights & SOGIESC targeting local authority and general community to empower them with knowledge and increase their acceptance of diverse community.
Arcoiris Timor-Leste, organized a talk show, “Struggle, Rights, Future and Existence of the LGBTIQ+ Community in Timor-Leste” on 10th December 2024 in Dili. Representatives of Human Rights Commission Timor Leste, media and legal rights organization, JU’S were present to share their experiences and relevant information. The show was moderated by Bella Galhos, Director Arcoiris Timor Leste.
Training program held in Oé-Cusse in the month of February 2024 focusing LGBTIQ+ Community to empower them with information about Human Rights particularly LGBTIQ rights based on the constitution in Timor Leste and also create discussion about gender-based violence. In this session, we invited representatives from Pradet to share their experiences around mental health issues of vulnerable communities.
Arcoiris Timor Leste organized a is to promote Human Rights in the country. It highlighted the need for legislative and human rights specifically for the LGBTIQ+ community. This workshop aims to discuss appropriate legislative mechanisms in support of LGBTIQ+ community rights in accordance with the RDTL Constitution and international conventions.
The workshop held on 25th March 2025 in Dili with the presence of many civil society organizations, LGBTIQ members. The participation of Human Rights Commissioner in Timor Leste was significant and highly motivating.
Friday, April 4, 2025, Arcoiris Timor-Leste officially launched the research report entitled "Wellness Survey of the LGBTIQ+ Community in Timor-Leste (2023-25)." This comprehensive study engaged with numerous members of the LGBTIQ+ community, their families, and various service providers, highlighting the significant challenges they encounter, such as family discrimination, bullying, and violence. The report provides an-depth analysis of their educational attainment, physical and mental health, and employment status, while also offering recommendations for policy advocacy. It is intended to function as a crucial advocacy tool to foster public discourse aimed at enacting laws that protect against discrimination, thereby reinforcing the constitutional rights of Timor-Leste's diverse community.
The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice in Timor Leste, Mr. During the event, Mr. Virgilio Guterres, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice in Timor Leste, emphasized that the Omb’s role is to advocate for vulnerable groups, including the LGBTIQ+ community, who still face societal discrimination. Additionally, Ms. Bella Galhos, the Director of Arcoiris Timor-Leste, highlighted that the research report serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for the LGBTIQ+ community to attain the life everyone deserves. Despite the government's claims of leaving no one behind, the members still face difficulty in accessing employment & health, and feel discrimination in society because of their identity.
The launch event was held at the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice Office in Kaikoli, Dili, and was attended by representatives from civil organizations, university professors and students, ministries, research institutions, and members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Arcoiris Timor-Leste would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt to the donors who have supported this important research, including ASEAN SOGIESC Caucus and Women's Fund Asia.
