It was only last year that India bid farewell to the draconian Article 377 which criminalised homosexuality. The law might have changed, but society's ostracisation of LGBTQIA+ community hasn't changed.
The truth is that they still have to face issues on a daily basis because people still haven’t stopped discriminating against them solely based on their sexuality. Hence, it is high time that the LGBTQIA+ community in India finds its own voice as well as a safe space to share their concerns and ask for guidance.
The Times Of India has taken the first step in this direction, to give a voice to the LGBTQIA+ community by launching a campaign called 'Times Out & Proud.' As a part of this initiative, the newspaper will offer the LGBTQIA+ community free space in its classifieds for three months.
TOI
Launched on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the campaign is based on the humane belief that no one should be denied basics like housing, entry into food places, or jobs based on their sexuality.
TOI
Newspaper, as a medium, is widely read in India and is also shared by all sections of the society as a point of information. Hence, The?Times of India thought that the best way to bring a visible progressive change in society would be to use this newspaper space to give visibility to the voices originating from the LGBTQIA+ community.
The members of the community can use the classifieds section for free of cost for three months to bring forward their requirements regarding jobs, housing and even life partners. But most importantly, this space will be used to bring out the previously unheard stories, especially the issues of the LGBTQIA+ community.
TOI
The campaign was kicked off with a film featuring members of the LGBTQIA+ community in India recounting their daily struggles and life-long issues because of the regressive attitude of the society. You can view the video here and visit the campaign page to join it.?
If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or want to support an LGBTQIA+ friend or relative, and want to be featured in Times Out & Proud classifieds, write to us with your full name and contact number at outandproud@timesgroup.com.
To know more about the campaign visit toi.in/outandproud.