#21DaysAllyChallenge, an initiative by Pride Circle

In a first of its kind initiative, corporates, academia and individuals from across the world have signed up to further advocate for inclusion of the LGBT+ community. #21DaysAllyChallenge, a unique initiative conceptualised by Pride Circle, India’s premier Diversity & Inclusion Consultancy, aimed to bring a holistic social change by building a community of passionate allies, across the world. The campaign kicked off on June 1 which marks the beginning of the Global Pride Month and will go on throughout the month.

As the world is trying to stabilize in the current circumstances caused by the pandemic, this is an effort to push forward for inclusion. The movement, led through India, is not only joined by individuals, influencers from 28 nations and 70 organisations, but also respected academic institutions such as IIMs, IITs, NMIMS, MICA, Tagore International School. This is huge achievement in the direction of creating safer schools, workplaces & society for the next generation.

Under this initiative, allies from across the world will engage in a series of 21 mini-challenges spread over a period of 21 days in the month of June. This is based on science that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Anyone can sign-up and participate free-of-cost by clicking on the link https://thepridecircle.com/21daysallychallenge/

#21DaysAllyChallenge is being supported by leading international LGBT+ organization:

“Out & Equal is a proud long-term partner of Pride Circle and we are especially proud and excited to partner on the #21DaysAllyChallenge. We know that the future of workforce inclusion is dependent on culture change – made of seemingly small but vital everyday acts of allyship and support. The challenge is a fun and innovative way to spur individual action for change.” Deena Fidas, Managing Director, Chief Program and Partnerships Officer, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates (USA).

“Allies play a critical role in the broader fight to advance LGBTQ equality and inclusion in in key areas of life, including the workplace,” said Milagros Chirinos, Associate Director of HRC’s Global Workplace Equality Program. “We are incredibly excited to support Pride Circle’s #21DaysAllyChallenge to engage businesses and organizations in promoting allyship during Pride Month and beyond."  Milagros Chirinos, Associate Director, Global Workplace Equality Program, Human Rights Campaign Foundation (USA).

 ‘This initiative is a great opportunity for people in India and across the world to come together in support of equality for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. Visible allies to the LGBT community make a huge difference, whether that’s championing LGBT rights in your work, or supporting LGBT family members or friends. Now, more than ever, we encourage everyone who believes in LGBT equality to Come Out For Equality and find out more about how they can be an ally.’  - Pete Mercer, Head of Global Programmes, Stonewall (UK)

Commenting on this empowering initiative, Ramkrishna Sinha, Co-Founder, Pride Circle, said, “In our country where homosexuality legalization is yet to complete two years, this India-born initiative is our leap of faith to create a large-scale, global movement to advocate for equal rights and fair treatment for the LGBT+. We believe that allies are some of the most effective and powerful voices for this movement. The contribution of allies in terms of helping create a space of comfort, help bridge the gap in understanding of others with respect to the importance of equality, fairness, acceptance and mutual respect, can be vast. The #21DaysAllyChallenge is an affirmative action in the direction of building an inclusive and just society with the support from the allies.”  

Echoing the sentiments, Srini Ramaswamy, Co-Founder, Pride Circle, added, “We are really humbled and excited by the response we have received from several national and international organizations, influencers, schools, colleges, voluntary groups which are committed to championing the cause for the greater good of the LGBT+ community as well as the society. Pride Circle urges more and more organisations and individuals to come forward and partake in this movement. We are confident that with every new ally we create, we are loosening the shackles of homo/bi/transphobic conditioning our society is conditioned with.”

The initiative has received direct support from large corporates like Cognizant, UBS, IG, Unilever and Dell EMC. AvianWE has also joined hands as a communications partner to support the initiative.

Working towards establishing social equity through affirmative actions since 2017, Pride Circle has taken a significant move through #21DaysAllyChallenge. They have brought together the whole gamut of the stakeholders. Individuals and influencers from schools, workplaces to global human rights bodies, all are set to demonstrate their allyship and influence a lot more to commemorate self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of the LGBT+ community.