of LGBT people within society. Reports of hate crimes against LGBT people in Fiji are rare, although there has been some, possible, high-profile case of a same-sex couple being the victims of a bias motivated crime. On 1 July 2001, Red Cross leader John Maurice Scott and his partner, Gregory Scrivener, were brutally murdered in Suva, in an apparent homophobic attack with a possible political motive. Scott and Scrivener's story has become the subject of a 2008 New Zealand documentary, An Island Calling. In September 2017, a gay student was found dead in Nasinu. In May 2018, a young transgender woman was brutally murdered in Suva. Lack of trust in the police due to possible harassment likely discourages LGBT people and couples from reporting anti-gay violence or hateful discrimination. Social mores regarding sexual orientation and gender identity tend to be conservative, with little public support for LGBT rights. While some human rights activists do some low-key work on LGBT rights concerns, the Government has, in the past, cancelled gay pride marches from taking place. On 17 May 2013, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), LGBT activists organised activities to promote LGBT rights and equality. Drodrolagi Movement, an LGBT advocacy group, said that discrimination and bullying remain problems in Fiji. In 2017, an event celebrating IDAHOTB was held in the capital of Suva. The event was attended by many LGBT activists as well as religious figures. While not illegal, visitors are advised that public displays of affection are generally considered offensive. Fiji's first pride parade was held on 17 May 2018 to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia. The march took place in Lautoka, Fiji's second largest city, and was the first such march in a Pacific island nation (excluding New Zealand and some dependent territories, such as Hawaii). Local police provided an escort for the participants. Former President Epeli Nailatikau spoke at the event. Summary table See also Human rights in Fiji LGBT rights in Oceania References External links Human rights in Fiji Society of Fiji LGBT in Fiji Fiji