MUMBAI: India is a nation known for its cultural diversity, and among the various kinds of people are the ones who also identify as LGBTQIA+. On May 17th, India’s largest media house, launched a landmark initiative to raise awareness around the importance of acceptance and inclusivity of this community within society. Titled #TimesOutAndProud, the initiative was launched along with a film that showcases the daily struggles of the people of the community. The ‘Times Out & Proud’ film that aims to help create a more inclusive society has touched the hearts of over 12mn people across the nation within the first 10 days of its launch, making this one of the largest movements for this cause in the history of the nation.
As a response to the campaign, hundreds of emails have poured in from all over the country from members, families and supporters of the community who wish to share their stories and express their support. The very first day of the LGBT Pride Month, i.e 1st June marked a monumental day as TOI proudly carried the first ever dedicated personal announcement section of the community through the #TimesOutAndPride Classifieds: A safe space for the community. The first-hand accounts are written by the members of the community, about their lives, hopes, ambitions and through classifieds reach the world to read.
The campaign has also travelled beyond newspaper and digital with a series of on-ground interactions. The message has been integrated with the Pride parades across the country.
A special audition was hosted for the model selection for Bangalore Times Fashion Week for transgender models who would be added to the talent pool for the event.
Coming up soon are Out & Proud nights that will feature specially created and curated stand up and slam poetry acts.
#ProudToSupport the campaign #TimesOutAndProud !! pic.twitter.com/rmwuJvA83Q
— vidya balan (@vidya_balan) June 6, 2019
So proud of your work!!@sarkarjaydeep @vivekisms #girlwithabeard @timesofindia @techyswati
Watch: https://t.co/JlCDK2God6 pic.twitter.com/b0x6xI7T7N
— Konkona Sensharma (@konkonas) May 30, 2019
I am really #ProudToSupport the campaign #TimesOutAndProud @timesofindia pic.twitter.com/Pl5Y6WVOJT
— sonalikulkarni (@sonalikulkarni) June 1, 2019
I am #ProudToSupport this inclusive initiative #TimesOutAndProud @Calcutta_Times @toi_pDasgupta @RumanGangulyTOI pic.twitter.com/agywCzUkUE
— Mimssi (@mimichakraborty) May 31, 2019
ACCHE DIN AA GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL TRANSGENDER INTERSEX! Well done @timesofindia for truly embracing, empowering and maintaining LGBTQIA+ conversations and helping india make it better for queer lives. @ItGetsBetterIN @bombaytimes https://t.co/wybH4kzyNR
— keshav suri (@keshav_suri) May 17, 2019
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157374157390452&id=786145451
Receiving applause from people across different strata of society, the film strikes a chord with viewers as it sheds light on the people who have been subject to unnecessary prejudice, taking the core message of ‘inclusivity and acceptance’ to a larger audience. Coming OUT and PROUDLY so, the initiative has garnered support from Bollywood, MPs, Lawyers, LGBTQ activists, TV stars, business tycoons and national award winning directors.
Launched by The Times of India, in association with FCB Ulka, the initiative ‘Times Out and Proud’ was launched on 17th May, on the occasion of International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). With this initiative, TOI hopes to carve out a mainstream space for members of the community who identify as LGBTQIA+ to interact, share and collaborate with the entire Indian population. This campaign is aimed to empower the members of the LGBTQ community to live a dignified life with acceptance and pride.
