Inclusive Celebration at British Council Delhi
NEW DELHI – The British Council Delhi hosted a vibrant celebration on Wednesday evening, honoring the achievements of grassroots champions in India’s LGBT+ community.
The event, held at the British Council building, saw the participation of esteemed organizations such as InsideOut Delhi and the Humsafar Trust, alongside members of the LGBT+ community and supporters from all walks of life.
Art Exhibition by Howard Hodgkin and Charles Correa
One of the highlights of the evening was an art exhibition featuring the works of acclaimed British queer artist, Howard Hodgkin.
Hodgkin collaborated with renowned Indian architect Charles Correa to create a striking black and white mural that graces the facade of the British Council building, making it an iconic symbol of diversity and inclusion.
A Series of Events Across India
This celebration is part of a series of events organized by the UK in India network throughout June. Similar receptions are planned in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Jodhpur.
The United Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to championing LGBT+ rights globally and ensuring protection against discrimination for everyone, everywhere.
Proud Support from the British High Commission
Expressing her pride in joining the celebration, Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, stated,
“I feel extremely proud to join so many like-minded people from across this wonderful city in celebrating the LGBT+ community.
The UK believes that everyone, everywhere should be free to love whom they love and express themselves openly without fear of facing discrimination.
Today, we celebrate love and pay tribute to everyone working to ensure full, equal, meaningful participation for all, across all walks of life.”
British Council’s Commitment to Inclusion
Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director of the British Council India, emphasized the organization’s dedication to diversity and inclusion. He said,
“The British Council believes in the importance of diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our celebration of Pride Month and through our work in English, education, and the arts.
We are committed to creating empowering platforms for the LGBTQIA+ community to express themselves authentically and stand together in support of love and equality.”
UK’s Support for LGBT+ Organizations and Collaborations
The British High Commission in New Delhi has been a longstanding supporter of the Humsafar Trust in India, demonstrating the UK’s dedication to championing grassroots LGBT+ organizations and human rights defenders worldwide.
Furthermore, the UK actively engages in international collaborations on LGBT+ rights, including serving as co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and the European LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) in 2019.
In addition, the UK fosters connections between British and Indian institutions and lawmakers to exchange best practices, particularly in improving workplace inclusion for LGBT+ employees.
Promoting Inclusivity: Raising the Pride Flag
Notably, the British High Commission in New Delhi raised the Pride Flag for the first time in 2020 and continues this tradition annually to mark IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia).
This year, the flag flew proudly on May 17, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination.
About the British High Commission in New Delhi
The British High Commission in New Delhi serves as a dedicated hub for fostering strong bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and India.
The Commission actively engages in various initiatives, including supporting organizations that promote LGBT+ rights and working towards creating an inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Sources: THX News & British High Commission New Delhi.
