The Australian Volunteers Program strives to provide a safe, supportive and equitable environment for LGBTQIA+ volunteers, approved accompanying dependents, partner organisations and all program staff. The Australian Volunteers Program has supported queer volunteers in all program countries and has ongoing connections with community organisations in many countries and regions in which the program operates.
This guide introduces a snapshot of the local context for queer and gender diverse people. LGBTQIA+ program participants must be aware of the country context before undertaking an assignment. If you are an LGBTQIA+ volunteer, you will need to:
- do your own research and understand what the local law says you can and can't do when in-country
- follow the local laws, even if you disagree with them
- be aware of the legal protections for LGBTQIA+ people in your destinations
- consider if you’re comfortable living and working in a place where you may not be able to live as openly as you can in some parts of Australia.
Language
Terminology may differ across urban and rural contexts, provinces or ethnic and cultural groups. Information sourced online can be outdated or inaccurate. For current and accurate information, please confirm with an appropriate civil society organisation (CSO) or ask your in-country team.
Legal and policy context
In May 2024, the Niue Assembly enacted the Niue (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill removing ‘buggery’ as a criminal offence. Same-sex sexual activity had previously been prohibited under the Niue Criminal Law Code, which criminalised acts of ‘buggery.’ Sentences included a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment.
Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not legally recognised. The Family Law Code of 2007 does not expressly prohibit same-sex marriage but assumes the parties to be of the opposite sex.
Discrimination
There are no broad legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Niue.
Cultural and societal attitudes
A 2024 report based on a visit by New Zealand's Ambassador for Gender Equality described Niuean society as tolerant and accepting of all people, but with a strong, unspoken expectation that LGBTQIA+ people should exercise 'discretion' with their families and in public. Open displays of affection between any couple, regardless of sexual orientation, may be viewed as offensive in the conservative social environment.
Due to the long standing relationship between Niue and New Zealand, there’s a large diaspora of Niueans in New Zealand. A well-known LGBTQIA+ Pacific advocate, Phylesha Brown-Acton, identifies as fakafifine, an indigenous queer identity unique to Niue.
Research and contributions provided by Kris Prasad.
The Pride Guides were developed in 2022 and updated in 2025 by consultants and experts based in countries in which the program operates.
