The Uplift
Audeliss and INvolve founder and CEO, Suki Sandhu
GLOBAL
New fund aims to combat LGBT+ discrimination in Asia Providing grants to support activists across Asia, the fund aims to improve the lives of LGBT+ people
8 • happiful • September 2018
I’m asking business leaders to join me in looking beyond the workplace to support the global struggle for LGBT+ rights.” LGBT+ people across Asia face human rights abuses based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Globally, more than 70 countries still criminalise gay relationships. Eight countries which criminalise homosexual acts have sentences that can result in the death penalty. GiveOut’s founder and chair, Elliot Vaughn, said: “I am delighted and proud that Suki has chosen to work alongside GiveOut to grow LGBTQI philanthropy in the UK, and support queer activism in Asia. Suki is setting a wonderful example. I hope others will follow his lead.” GiveOut will consult across the LGBT+ movement in Asia to identify the focus of the new fund and discover where it can make the greatest difference. Support the fund at giveout.org/ donate by entering your donation details and including a message to indicate your donation is intended to support this fund, e.g. “Asia fund”. Bonnie Evie Gifford
LGBT+ community celebrates Pride with hidden rainbow flag in Russia Spain’s largest LGBT+ rights organisation, the Federation (FELGTB), peacefully protested what many consider to be anti-LGBT+ laws in Russia. During the World Cup, six activists from different countries each wore a shirt from their home country. Together they formed a rainbow flag, giving visibility to Pride. Since the 2013 law in Russia criminalising the promotion and distribution of materials supporting non-traditional sexual relationships to minors, research suggests hate crimes against the LGBT+ community have doubled. In 2017, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that this law reinforces stigma, encourages homophobia, and discriminates against a vulnerable minority. For their safety, fans were warned against participating in political protests. However the FELGTB’s Hidden Flag was a researched effort to encourage awareness to discrimination.
Photography | Suki Sandhu: Audeliss, FELGTB: thehiddenflag.org
T
he Suki Sandhu LGBTQI Asia Fund has launched to support the work of activists in Asia, fight for the rights of LGBT+ people and seek an end to discrimination. Managed by the UK-based charity GiveOut, which helps to raise funds for LGBT+ causes around the world, the new fund is sponsored by Audeliss and INvolve founder and CEO, Suki Sandhu. The fund hopes to grow in order to support and fund at least £25,000 annually. Discussing the fund, Suki said: “In the UK we have been afforded a certain level of privilege, and we have a responsibility to give something back. As a gay Asian man who has grown up in the UK I realise that, despite the challenges I have faced, I have been incredibly lucky. “There are many LGBT+ people across Asia being deprived of their freedom and facing terrible persecution simply for being themselves. This is not acceptable, and we all have a duty to try to make a difference. “I’ve worked for more than a decade helping businesses harness minority talent and foster inclusive workplaces.
