Love and Fiji

“At the time we first got together, it wasn’t the norm to be dating someone of the same sex as you, especially in Fiji. We both come from religious backgrounds. There were restrictions and we were questioned a lot". - Lavonne

From the island of Fiji, where religious and cultural restrictions affects how the LGBTQIA community are treated, comes the story of two women who fell in love, left the island, and returned 12 years later to celebrate their marriage.

Lavonne and Petrina, both from Fiji, met on the island 19 years ago. The attraction was instant, and the pair have been inseparable ever since; but the journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The attitude towards gay culture in Fiji, and the wider pacific is still a battle many are fighting.

Same sex marriage has been legally banned in Fiji since 2002, and hate crimes are unfortunately not uncommon. Despite this, Trina and Von, managed to push through the backlash and return to Fiji for a wedding celebration of their own.

The couple, who both work for a social media company in San Francisco, have lived in the United States for 12 years now. In 2016 they were officially married in San Fran, and one year later on the same date, they returned to Fiji for a second ceremony, or a ‘celebration of love’, to share with their family and friends on the island.

 “At the time we first got together, it wasn’t the norm to be dating someone of the same sex as you, especially in Fiji. We both come from religious backgrounds. There were restrictions and we were questioned a lot" - Von.

For Petrina and Lavonne, their upbringing and family backgrounds were dissimilar, despite both being raised in Fiji.

“For me it was different. Trina was brought up with 6 girls in the family. I had 4 brothers and I’m the youngest. For me to be heard growing up I had to be vocal, right in there with the boys. My mindset was different growing up, and I reached a point in my life, I think I was 20 when I knew who I was. What made it easier was that my brothers never judged me, and my parents came to be very supportive.” – Von. 

Trina’s experience coming out to her family was less encouraging. Before her relationship with Von, she was married to a man, which Trina says made it complicated for her mother to understand.

“She said “I think maybe you’re confused with her being your best friend” and I told her no this is how I feel, this is what I’m going to do. She wanted to dedicate a full church service to me because she thought something was wrong, but after a while she came on board and understood.” – Trina.

When it came time for the pair to celebrate their love in Fiji, a large portion of Trina’s family decided they would not attend, even consulting a priest to ask for advice to help them make that decision. “With my mum, we had a very close relationship all those years of me growing up, and it took me getting married to a woman to put a wedge between us. She feels uncomfortable to have those conversations. I’m not going to force her or push it in her face, but I’m also not going to deny who I am”. – Trina.