Mauritius: Young Queer Activist – from the closet to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in the open
A young genderfluid activist from Mauritius transforms personal struggle into a powerful movement for LGBTQIA+ rights, community empowerment and visibility through the Young Queer Alliance.
Najeebah Nabeebaccus is a 30‑year‑old psychology graduate and genderfluid queer activist from Mauritius. Their journey began in silence, shaped by fear of stigma, criminalisation and strong religious influences that limited queer visibility. While studying at university, they were empowered by lecturers and peers to research coming‑out experiences among LGBTQIA+ young adults. This academic work became a turning point, sparking their interest in advocacy.
In 2018, Najeebah created a platform called ‘This Rainbow Sheep’ to share research and educate the Mauritian population on queer identities. Due to safety concerns, they initially remained anonymous, especially during a period of heightened hostility. Pride March that year faced interruptions and backlash, creating social tension. Despite this, the online platform grew and connected young queer people seeking support and visibility.
Najeebah’s advocacy expanded when they collaborated with other activists running anonymous awareness pages. Their courage increased further when they appeared openly in a documentary led by the Young Queer Alliance (YQA), sharing their story publicly for the first time.
Before joining YQA, Najeebah worked with inmates and ex‑inmates, helping colleagues understand queer issues and the lived realities of queer inmates. In 2024, equipped with experience in counselling, case management, and community empowerment, they joined YQA as a Community Empowerment Officer.
Since joining, the organisation has registered more than 400 additional beneficiaries and managed over 200 new cases. More than 100 people have been accompanied on their personal development journeys, and more than 100 HIV tests have been conducted among high‑risk MSM and trans communities.
Najeebah also contributed to events that empower queer entrepreneurs, create public speaking opportunities and provide visibility for queer people on national platforms. Monthly community‑building events attract more than 30 participants each time, creating safe and supportive spaces. They have coordinated cultural events that help queer people of different faiths reconcile spirituality with identity.
YQA’s advocacy is gaining national traction, and the organisation is actively involved in international partnerships to advance marriage equality in Mauritius. Numerous media publications have highlighted their work and its growing impact.
Sustaining this change requires strengthening partnerships, diversifying funding sources, and expanding training for activists, volunteers, and journalists. YQA continues to create opportunities for beneficiaries to take leadership roles and encourages more queer stories to be told.
Najeebah emphasises the importance of caring for staff mental health, especially in a society where queer activism remains challenging. Their vision is for a Mauritius where LGBTQIA+ people live freely, safely and openly uplifted by a community that sees their existence as valuable and their rights as non‑negotiable.
Quotes
Beneficiary 1, YQA is home to people like us, thank you.
Beneficiary 2, I am grateful to have received training and now I feel confident I can help others believe in themselves.