To celebrate Pride month, the British Deputy High Commission Hyderabad, in partnership with We Hub and Youngistaan Foundation, hosted an open house discussion on the theme of “Enhancing employability and employment, safeguarding rights and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community” on Saturday at We Hub.
The event allowed open conversations with business leaders on key issues such as LGBTQ+ workplace policies, hiring criteria, creating safe spaces and the government’s support for better employment opportunities and conducive workplace policies for the LGBTQ+ community. The discussion was followed by an open mic and cultural programme.
HR representatives from diverse companies, NGOs and Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT), Telangana government participated in the event.
Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Commissioner to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, said, “The UK believes that everyone, everywhere should be free to love whom they love and express themselves openly without fear of facing discrimination. We are proud and committed to work with Indian organisations focused on promoting and advancing LGBT+ rights. This event, on how to improve employment opportunities for the LGBT+ community is another step in that direction.”
Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT), Telangana government said, “Government of Telangana is focused on making the LGBTQ+ community self-sustainable by providing them the required opportunities to bring them into mainstream work force. There are government schemes that will provide them end-to-end resources to make them financially independent”
Over 50 people, mostly members of LGBT+ community and allies of the community attended the event.
The UK champions and supports grassroots LGBT+ organisations and human rights defenders globally through targeted programmes and direct engagement.
The UK has engaged in long-standing international collaborations on LGBT+ rights, including as co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and European LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) in 2019.
The UK also works to create links between British and Indian institutions and legislators to share best-practices, including improving workplace inclusion for LGBT+ employees.
