InterPride Co-President Tuisina Ymania Brown has died in Berlin following heart surgery earlier this week.
Brown, a proud trans Fa’afafine woman from Samoa, was widely regarded as a visionary leader and passionate advocate for human rights. Her work spanned decades, from the Pacific to the global stage, inspiring communities and championing visibility, solidarity, and justice.
“Ymania left this world surrounded by love, leaving behind a profound legacy that will continue to guide our movement,” said InterPride Co-Presidents Rahul Upadhyay and Rick Andre in a joint statement.
Brown held several leadership roles, including Co-Secretary General of ILGA World and a key role in Oceania Pride Organisers Inc. (OPO). She was a driving force behind the Sydney WorldPride Human Rights Conference in 2023, which organisers say created an inclusive global platform for LGBTIQA+ voices and raised the profile of the Asia-Pacific community.
“To those who knew her, Ymania embodied resilience, joy, and the power of collective care,” the statement said. “She reminded us that leadership is most powerful when it lifts others along the way.”
Friends and colleagues say Brown was known for nurturing new voices and opening doors for Pacific and trans leadership.
Brown was also a mother, grandmother, and mentor who believed in building community through care, dignity, and solidarity.
“Her warmth, humour, and love touched each of us who had the privilege of working alongside her,” the Co-Presidents said.
InterPride says her legacy will remain central to its mission and the global movement for equality and liberation. “As we mourn together, we also commit to carrying forward her vision of a world where all people can live with freedom, dignity, and joy.”
