2005 — Collectif Arc-En-Ciel (CAEC) / The Rainbow Collective Founded, Mauritius

2005 — Collectif Arc-En-Ciel (CAEC) / The Rainbow Collective Founded, Mauritius

Founded in 2005 by Nathalie Germain, Nicolas Ritter, Thierry De Ravel, Jean Luc Ahnee and Michel Gungasammy, Collectif Arc-En-Ciel (CAEC), translated as ‘The Rainbow Collective’, is an NGO focusing on LGBTQIA+ rights. CAEC’s work primarily focuses on case management within the queer community and the legal advancement of LGBTQIA+ rights. The association campaigns against homophobia and various forms of discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The organisation was registered in 2005. They celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2025. Annie Osawaru is the current Director and Dimitri Ah-Yu is the NGO’s current President.

According to CAEC, their

“work primarily focuses on case management within the queer community and the legal advancement of LGBTQIA+ rights. We provide counselling services to community members, queer couples, and the parents of queer individuals. At CAEC, we also extend our advocacy efforts across various sectors by delivering awareness and sensitization sessions to corporate organizations throughout Mauritius. In addition to our advocacy and support services, we organize inclusive social events such as queer karaoke, club nights, art therapy sessions, and more, fostering a safe and celebratory space for the community.” 

Vision

A Mauritian society that promotes emancipation, that is free from stigma, discrimination and violence related to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, where the rights of all citizens are equally respected. 

Mission

To make the voice of the LGBTQIA+ community heard in Mauritius and to mobilise support for equal rights and opportunities for all its members. 

Objectives/Goals

The goals of Collectif Arc-En-Ciel typically revolve around the advancement of LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion in Mauritius. Their core goals are: 

1. Promote equal rights: Advocate for the legal recognition and protection of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including the fight against discrimination and the promotion of equal treatment under the law. 
2. Support the LGBTQIA+ community: Provide psychological, legal, and social support to queer individuals, couples, and families, especially through case management and counselling. 
3. Raise awareness and educate: Conduct sensitisation and training sessions in schools, workplaces, and institutions to combat stigma, misinformation, and homophobia/transphobia. 
4. Empower the community: Create safe spaces and platforms — through events like Pride, queer karaoke nights, and art therapy — for LGBTQIA+ people to express themselves, build solidarity, and celebrate their identities. 
5. Influence policy and social change: Work with policymakers, civil society, and international partners to influence reforms that foster a more inclusive and just society. 
6. Visibility and representation: Ensure the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals are visible in public discourse, media, and cultural spaces. 

Projects

Trans Project: Legal Gender Recognition Analysis and Lobbying Strategy

A current (2025) project undertaken by CAEC is advocating for the legal recognition of gender marker changes for the trans community in Mauritius. In collaboration with their partners, Young Queer Alliance, and Gender Links, CAEC recently conducted a comparative legal analysis on the rights of trans individuals. Building on this research, the organisation and its partners are preparing to implement a structured lobbying strategy.

Beyond legal advocacy, we are committed to shifting societal perceptions of the LGBTQIA+ community by raising awareness of the socio-legal realities faced by queer individuals in Mauritius. While CAEC has played a pivotal role in advancing queer rights, significant work remains to achieve full equality and inclusion. The community still faces a lot of stigma and exclusion in certain spaces. Today, with the Trump Administration, the rhetorics around the community are encouraging more violence and hate speeches. At the level of CAEC, we aim to tackle these stereotypical comments by encouraging more conversations around queer people and by providing the adequate educational resources.”  

CAEC in the Media

Interview with Director, Annie Osawaru

Article in Response to Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address

One of the First Articles About CAEC

Read here.

Contact

Website
Email: info@collectifarcenciel.org / commsandevents@collectifarcenciel.org 
+230 465 4596
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