Benjamin’s Story
Amidst the challenges that Fiji’s LGBTQIA+ community faces, a group of queer leaders are working to address these problems through the power of entrepreneurship. Benjamin Patel, part of Rainbow Pride Foundation (RPF), an organisation based in the capital, Suva, is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and a lead organiser of RPF’s Queerpreneurs Expo.
The expo grew out of a recognition that many LGBTQIA+ individuals in Fiji possess immense talent — particularly in the creative arts — but often lack access to formal education, financial literacy, and business trainings that allow them to grow as budding entrepreneurs.
“We thought that we needed to create a platform to bring them all together and nurture the talents that they had... most of them needed just to have a safe space for them to come together.”
From hairstylists and makeup artists to artisans and small-scale fishers, many of their members were already engaging in entrepreneurial activities. What they needed was a space to connect, learn, and thrive.
“We organised a week-long event to create that safe space for them to have conversations, create critical thinking amongst themselves, as well as for us to provide them with an opportunity for them to learn.”
In the morning, participants showcased and sold their products. In the afternoon, they attended workshops led by professionals from banks, the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), and other organizations.
Despite the success of the Expo, Benjamin is candid about the challenges queer entrepreneurs face.
“A lot of people judge us based on our gender identity and sexual preferencing. It’s quite difficult for a lot of our members to have conversations with the bank, with organisations on how to grow their businesses.”
Funding is another major hurdle.
“A lot of us are having to save up whatever we can to be able to start up our businesses. It becomes very difficult for you to transition to a place of business because you also don't think that you're good enough.”.
“Majority of these queerpreneurs in our community are already isolated by their families and their communities. So, we're having to depend on each other to support each other.”
For Benjamin and other members of RPF, the Queerpreneurs Expo is more than just an event — it’s a chance at a better life.
“It acknowledges you for the hard work that you've contributed. But it also provides you with that support system where you know it's okay to be queer, it's okay to be an entrepreneur.”
The impact has been tangible.
“From the expo last year until now, a lot of these young queerpreneurs they've really grown in terms of their businesses.”
One participant, a fisher, expanded his client base. Others in fashion, makeup, and events have seen their clientele grow. The Expo also inspired many to pursue vocational training to enhance their skills.
“We're also encouraging the younger generation of queer people to go back to school to enhance it even further.”
Perhaps the most profound impact has been psychological.
“It’s removing that sense of fear that you are not good enough to be in business. I think it's really removed that fear in me that as a queer person I can still run a business.”
“Just to allow that space for people to come and talk and have a conversation, an honest conversation made my heart happy. That for me was the change that I wanted to see.”
And it’s improving how locals perceive queer entrepreneurs.
“When they have an opportunity to come and listen to our lived experiences, there is a better understanding of who we are - it gives it a human approach.”
Benjamin is also grateful for the support that Oxfam has given them.
“They really were supportive in terms of allowing us, RPF, to take the lead and to speak on behalf of our community. Oxfam allowed us to take control of the reins and they were there just to push and support.”
This trust has been integral to the success of the Queerpreneurs Expo.
“It really allowed us to talk to our community and not be worried about someone holding a thread over our heads. And I think that's what Oxfam does.”
The Queerpreneurs Expo is not just an annual event — it’s a movement centred on creating lasting change, building confidence, and fostering a community where queer entrepreneurs are seen, supported, and celebrated.