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The LGBTQIA community in India has made major contributions to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer) and allied populations. The community has seen a slow but steady change in attitude since the Honourable Supreme Court's decision in favour of LGBTIQ+ on September 6, 2018. More and more, members of the LGBTIQ+ community are competing with others in a wide range of fields.
Businesses in India are on board with the idea of integrating the community. An increasing number of Indian businesses are raising awareness and implementing policies to create inclusive workplaces where people of all genders and orientations may thrive. To encourage diversity and inclusion in Indian workplaces, business groups such as FICCI created a "Workplace Equality Index" not long ago.
Transgender people have received crucial legal assistance that has accelerated their development with the adoption of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 and the establishment of the National Council for Transgender Persons by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE). The SMILE initiative, which aims to enhance the health, education, housing, and personal security of the transgender population, was designed and implemented with the assistance of the Act.
India partners with UNDP to support LGBTQ rights in India
To fulfil its commitment to leave no one behind and achieve the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) collaborates with national and international organisations to alleviate the discrimination that LGBTIQ+ individuals face on a global scale. Working with community-based groups such as C-SHaRP and Humsafar Trust, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) created a Framework for Transgender Welfare in India in 2021 with the goal of mainstreaming the transgender population. The SMILE system, which was introduced in 2022, was designed with the backing of a robust framework, which served as a guide document for community welfare initiatives.
Supporting Queer Mental Health in India
UNDP, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, is developing a National Action Plan for LGBTIQ+ communities. When implemented, the action plan will help the community overcome obstacles to receiving healthcare, education, housing, employment, and other essential services. To address these issues, the Action Plan will also recommend specific actions and guide on how to implement them. United Nations Development Programme priorities also include health, particularly the emotional well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community. In 2019 and 2021, UNDP co-sponsored two national symposiums on LGBTIQ+ health alongside NACO and community-based groups. Over a thousand people attended the symposiums, laying the foundation for a National Action Plan for LGBTIQ+ Health. Policymakers may use this action plan as a roadmap to develop initiatives to increase access to LGBTIQ+ health care.
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) collaboratively designed psychosocial support modules are also in the works. Thanks to these upcoming courses, Counsellors, public health workers, physicians, and others in the service industry will soon be able to better manage the mental health of their communities.
Pride is not just June – and Mumbai shows why!
Allies and a multitude of supporters turn out for the Queer Pride March in Mumbai! Mumbai Pride for the LGBTQ Community. The city had its annual LGBT Pride event in March 2024 after a four-year hiatus; no, the annual event is far from the only time LGBTQ culture is celebrated. Almost 2,500 members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their straight supporters gathered at the August Kranti Maidan and marched for 2.5 kilometres, passing major sites in Mumbai, while carrying rainbow flags and thought-provoking posters. A passionate performance of Hum Honge Kamyab rounded up the procession.
Sohail Abbasi, co-founder of Humsafar Trust, played a significant role in organising this "herculean task" for Pride. They formed a new coalition this year with several individuals and non-governmental organisations. We are elated to see a historic turnout for Pride, a pivotal event in the LGBT calendar that signifies emancipation, inclusivity, and empowerment.
First Pride Fund in India opens to the public
To better the lives of India's estimated 140 million queer people, three prominent members of the country's LGBTQIA+ community have banded together to establish the Pride Fund, the first corporate philanthropic initiative of its kind in India. Parmesh Shahani, Head of Godrej DEI Labs from Godrej Industries Group; Keshav Suri, Executive Director of Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF), representing the foundation; and Radhika Piramal, Executive Director of VIP Industries and Trustee of Dasra UK, acting in her capacity, are the fund's main contributors. The anchors of the fund will be Godrej DEI Lab and Dasra.
The three types of individuals have pooled together a Rs. 2 crore fund that will be used to support eight non-governmental organisations (NGOs) founded by members of the community. Payana, Chhattisgarh Mitwa Sankalp Samiti, You All, Basera Samajik Sansthan, Vikalp, Sappho for Equality, and Karna Subarna Welfare Society were among the eight NGOs that made it to the final round of selection. International help to the community has almost dried up, and this money arrives at a time when it is most needed. Less than one per cent of LGBTQIA+ funding worldwide goes to India. Only two of India's top 50 charitable contributors publicly endorse community causes, and CSR spending is almost nonexistent.