Day 69 – Tonga
People who identify as LGBTQ in Tonga face discrimination against their sexuality and gender identity that is not experienced by heterosexual residents. According to Section 136 of the Criminal Offence Act, anyone who is found to be guilty of committing same-sex sexual activity can face a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment. However, this law is considered to be an out of date law, and there have been no known reports of prosecutions directed at anyone who identifies as LGBTQ.
Michael is abstaining from meat, fish and sugary treats for 79 days to raise awareness of the 79 countries around the world, like Tonga, where it is illegal to identify as LGBTQ. In doing so, Michael is raising money for Breakout Youth, a charity that supports LGBTQ young people in Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by helping the young people to build their confidence and accept who they are. Want of find out more? Click here.