It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge and mourn the passing of IV, the CEO of the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN). IV was a visionary leader who dedicated their life to advocating for the rights, dignity, and well-being of LGBTQI+ individuals across the Pacific. Their relentless dedication and fearless advocacy shaped and strengthened the Pacific LGBTQI+ community, leaving an impact that will be felt for generations. Their passing is an immense loss to the community, to those who had the privilege of working alongside them, and to all who were inspired by their vision.
The partnership between APTN and PSGDN, which has been ongoing since 2015, grew and thrived under IV’s leadership and vision. Over the years, our partnership has strengthened and expanded, with PSGDN playing a key role in advocating for resourced and sustainable LGBTQI+ organizations at the country level and ensuring the availability of strategic information for advocacy. Under IV’s leadership, PSGDN made significant strides toward advancing SOGIESC rights across the Pacific region. Through IV’s tireless commitment, PSGDN became a pillar for LGBTQI+ advocacy, advocating for the reform of discriminatory laws and policies and securing greater political commitment to the rights of sexual minorities. Their work was fundamental in reducing stigma and discrimination, and advocating for better representation at both the national and global levels.
“We are indebted to IV for their years of dedication and service to our Pacific rainbow communities and for building bridges to other parts of the Pacific we had no connection with. IV will be sadly missed and is a huge loss to many of our movements” – Phylesha Brown-Acton, Former Regional Committee Member, APTN
IV’s contribution to PSGDN and the broader LGBTQI+ rights movement across Asia and the Pacific will forever be remembered. Our thoughts remain with their family, friends, colleagues, and the entire PSGDN community during this difficult time. As a community, we honor and celebrate IV’s life, their story, and the powerful legacy they have left behind, carrying forward their vision with love, solidarity, and commitment.
News
