Arcoiris
Timor-Leste
March 2025 - Current
Arcoiris Timor-Leste is a locally led organisation dedicated to advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights, challenging discrimination, and fostering inclusive communities. Registered with the Ministry of Justice, Arcoiris works to improve the lives of LGBTIQ+ people in Timor-Leste through advocacy, education, and direct support services.
With around 200–250 members at any time, Arcoiris provides safe spaces, peer support, and skill-building opportunities. It runs a safe house offering short-term shelter, counselling, and essential services, particularly for lesbian, bisexual women, and trans men. Arcoiris also leads community awareness campaigns, family reconciliation efforts, and economic empowerment programs, ensuring LGBTIQ+ individuals can live with dignity and security.
Through partnerships with local and international organisations, Arcoiris works towards systemic change, tackling structural inequalities and building a more inclusive future for all.