Fare Te Aroha, a Safe Refuge for the LGBTQ+ Community

A Safe Space for Support and Community in the Heart of Papeete

The association Cousins, Cousines de Tahiti has opened a new community haven named “Fare Te Aroha” in a symbolic alleyway of Papeete, directly across from the former Piano Bar. Designed as a place of sharing and solidarity, this center offers refuge to LGBTQ+ individuals facing homelessness, social isolation, or discrimination.

A Project Led by Cousins, Cousines de Tahiti

Karel Luciani, president of the association, explained earlier on La 1ère: “The goal is really mutual support and guidance.” The newly established center is intended as a safe environment where individuals can be heard, protected, and accompanied. Members of the association will be on-site regularly, working alongside health professionals, including nurses and psychologists, to offer holistic, compassionate care.

Addressing Urgent Social and Mental Health Needs

The center was created as a response to urgent and distressing realities. Many LGBTQ+ youth are still ostracized by their families, forced to live on the streets, and in some cases, driven to sex work as early as 14 or 15 years old. Others endure domestic violence that can lead to deep psychological trauma. As Karel Luciani declared, “All of this is unacceptable. In this new home, we will be able to help each other, provide a listening ear, reach out, and guide these young people.”

On-Site Services and Dedicated Outreach from Day One

In its first week of operation, Fare Te Aroha has already begun hosting regular drop-ins. The organization SOS Suicide is offering support services every Monday and Thursday morning. Meanwhile, a night session is scheduled for Thursday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., led by Agir contre le sida. This includes on-site STI testing and consultations with nurses from the Polynesia French Hospital Center (CHPF).

Programs Focused on Education, Empowerment, and Advocacy

Beyond offering emergency support, Fare Te Aroha aims to educate and empower. Workshops are in development to address critical topics such as transitioning, gender dysphoria, and legal processes for victims of homophobic or transphobic violence. The overarching goal is to provide individuals with the tools they need to understand their rights and move forward with confidence and dignity.

Funding Support from the Government

This important initiative is backed by the government, which has allocated a grant of 2 million Pacific francs to help establish and operate the facility, ensuring that it can serve as a long-term resource for the LGBTQ+ community in Tahiti.

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