In responding to the HIV epidemic in PNG, people with HIV, men with diverse sexualities and transgender Papua New Guineans have come together to build representative organisations that have been valued voices for these most marginalised of communities. After fifteen years of activity, having faced intense fear and hostility while enduring poverty, ill health and a very fickly donor environment, these groups have an interesting story to tell.

 

This research draws on interviews by Tim Leach conducted with over 70 people with HIV, men with diverse sexualities and transgender Papua New Guineans on their experiences of discrimination, their thoughts on human rights in PNG, their views on their organisations and on whether donor supports have been helpful or otherwise. He also interviewed development practitioners and donors, supplementing his own observations as a long-term supporter. Tim will report on how members of these communities see themselves fitting into modern PNG, what they see as the role (if any) of human rights in shaping their lives, and the degree to which they see their cause as having been effectively advanced by the organisations they set up. 

 

As donors step away from these groups in favour of newer priorities, it’s useful to reflect on what’s happened. Tim’s interviewees had lots to say about challenges, achievements and lost opportunities, and some very clear ideas about ways forward.

 

Tim Leach has over fifteen years of experience working with Papua New Guineans with HIV or who identify as non-heterosexual or transgender. He has observed and supported the building of two community organisations: Igat Hope (for people living with HIV) and Kapul Champions (for men with diverse sexualities and transgender Papua New Guineans).