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Collectif Arc-en-Ciel

For 20 years, Collectif Arc-en-Ciel (CAEC) has been a leading voice for the rights, visibility, and dignity of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mauritius. As the oldest LGBTQIA+ organization in the country, CAEC has consistently championed equality and inclusion through advocacy, education, community support, and cultural transformation.

 

From hosting Mauritius’ first-ever Pride March to driving legal reforms and creating safe spaces for queer individuals, our work is rooted in courage, care, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves to live freely and authentically.

 

Over the past two decades, we have witnessed change and with your help, we are determined to push even further. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we invite you to support our mission. Your contribution helps us continue vital programs, reach more lives, and build a future where no one is left behind because of who they are or who they love. Together, let’s make history and a more inclusive tomorrow.

 

Accreditation Number with the National Social Inclusion Foundation: N/1197

Contact this NGO
President
Anais Boullé
Person in Charge
Anjeelee Beegun
Services offered
  • Provide support to the LGBTQIA+ community in Mauritius: legal assistance, mental health support, education and awareness programs, community-building initiatives, and access to healthcare resources.
  • Advocate for policy reforms to strengthen legal protections against discrimination and promote the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Empowerment and inclusion: through workshops, counseling, and outreach and create safe spaces for self-expression.
  • Provide necessary resources and support to help LGBTQIA+ people lead fulfilling lives, free from discrimination and prejudice.
History

Founded in 2005 by four dedicated individuals with a shared vision of advocating for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mauritius. Since its inception, CAEC has been committed to promoting equality, fighting discrimination, and advancing the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Through grassroots advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships, CAEC has played a significant role in advancing legal reforms, including the decriminalization of same-sex relations in 2023. With a strong history of activism and support for the community, CAEC continues to be a vital force in creating a more inclusive and accepting society for LGBTQIA+ people in Mauritius.

Objectives
  • To advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Mauritius
  • To raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues, and combat all forms of discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • To create a safe and inclusive environment where LGBTQIA+ people can live authentically and without fear of exclusion or harm.
  • Through education, legal reform efforts, and community outreach, CAEC works to challenge societal norms, influence policy, and ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals have access to equal rights, protections, and opportunities.
  • The organization also focuses on providing support services, including counseling and peer networks, to enhance the well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Main achievements
  • Successful advocacy for the decriminalization of same-sex relations in 2023, marking a historic legal milestone.
  • Played an instrumental role in raising awareness and fostering dialogue around LGBTQIA+ issues through events like Pride, IDAHOBIT, and other visibility campaigns.
  • Supported numerous individuals by providing counseling services, legal aid, and safe spaces.
  • Through ongoing collaboration with local and international partners, CAEC has made notable progress in addressing discrimination, advocating for policy reform, and empowering the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • These achievements reflect the collective efforts to promote inclusion, equality, and human dignity for all.
Sources of funding
  • Grants from international organizations such as the European Union and The Other Foundation, which have supported initiatives like capacity-building workshops and public policy advocacy.
  • MCB Forward Foundation to enhance mental health support services for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.
  • Joint funding arrangements: Collaboration with local partners, such as Young Queer Alliance and Gender Links, to conduct assessments and advocacy projects aimed at improving legal protections for LGBTQIA+ persons in Mauritius. 
  • Individual donations