Let’s come together to celebrate and recognise the influence of the LGBTQ+ community and people's right to live how they choose without discrimination
Let’s come together to celebrate and recognise the influence of the LGBTQ+ community and people's right to live how they choose without discrimination
Dutee Chand, India's youngest female sprinter, holds a national record in the women’s 100 meters event. She is the third Indian woman to ever qualify for the Women’s 100m event at the Summer Olympic Games. In 2018, she clinched the silver medal in women’s 100m at the Jakarta Asian Games. It was India’s first medal in this event since 1998. Born in a family of weavers and from ‘below poverty line’ family, her struggle to reach the pinnacle of athletic success is a story in itself. Dutee Chand has been named ‘Sportsperson of the Year’ in the second edition of the Vogue Women of the Year awards. Besides winning the prestigious honour, Dutee was also featured on the cover of Vogue India’s November 2019 edition. Amidst all this, Dutee became India’s first-ever openly LGBTQ+ athlete as she publicly stated that she is in a same-sex relationship. Her high testosterone levels, caused by hyperandrogenism, added to her controversy. Despite this, she achieved her goals and made India proud. Dutee is an Arjuna award Winner. She is a role model on and off the field.
Sushant Divgikar a.k.a. Rani Ko-HE-nur, was born male but, today, they identify as non-binary and a transgender and represents their community internationally. Sushant is an Indian model, actor, singer, columnist, psychologist, motivational speaker, drag queen, pageant director, and video jockey. They hold the title of Mr. Gay World India 2014. The first Drag Artiste to appear on a Singing Reality Show on National Television in India, SA Re Ga Ma. Their contribution as an Influencer has been endorsed by the recognition they have received by GQ in December 2018 under the category of “GQ’s 50 Most Influential Young Indians 0f 2018” featured in the September issue of “Vogue-India”, in their Drag Avatar Rani Ko-He-Nur and listed in Forbes 30 under 30 Achievers 2020. They speak about their practice, throwing light on India's drag culture and the socio-cultural concerns that bother the country's community. Sushant is a Youth Icon and an Inspiration who through their art promotes Inclusivity and love.
Rituparna Borah is an indigenous, disabled, queer feminist activist with expertise in Gender, Sexuality and LGBTQIA issues. In her 15 years of working on LGBTQIA+ rights, she has conducted trainings and workshops for law enforcement, public and private sector organisations, and civil society organisations. Rituparna was a part of the Voices Against 377 – a co-petitioner in the Section 377 case. Currently, she is a co-petitioner in the Same Sex Marriage petition, which is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court of India. The petition goes beyond the concept of family by marriage and demands the right for queer persons to formalise their chosen families. She is the Co-Founder of Nazariya: A Queer Feminist Resource Group based in New Delhi. Nazariya is a queer run and led organisation with a mission to make queer lives visible. As a part of the organisation, Rituparna continues to work with the grassroots through crisis intervention for LGBTQIA+ persons escaping abusive situations, and as a peer counsellor.
Apsara Reddy (born as Ajay Reddy), is a Politician and journalist and a strong advocate for women’s rights, anticorruption, and anti-dynastic politics. Apsara was the first transgender to be assigned to Congress, when in 2016, former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa appointed her as the National Spokesperson of the All India Anna DravidaMunnetraKazhagam. She’s also possibly the only transgender person to have served as the chief of so many national newspapers the world over. She worked for The Hindu, the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, the New Indian Express, the BBC World Service, and the Deccan Chronicle, among others. Celebrities such as Aishwarya Rai, Michael Schumacher, and Hollywood icon Nicolas Cage have all been interviewed by her. She’s published pieces about politics, celebrity lives, consumerism and education, and has reported extensively from Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia on the tsunami. Apsara holds a BA in Journalism from Monash University and an MA in Broadcasting from City University in London, with a strong focus on Developmental Economics.
I am a Global Nomad Keynote Speaker, who speaks on a fresh new topic – ‘The Nomadic Mindset’. I am also the author of the leadership book, The Nomadic Mindset: Never Settle…for Too Long and Aha, Mother’s Pearls.
From my early beginnings as a champion figure skater, a former elite figure skating choreographer for world and Olympic champions, and a director of large-scale productions such as the 1988 Olympic Closing Ceremonies, I have naturally sought to expand my students’ and audiences’ creativity and flexibility by presenting story-rich visual experiences. Today, I continue my mission by inspiring leaders in multinational enterprises (e.g., Thales, Givaudan, Nestle) and public sector (European Union).
He is author of the leadership book, The Nomadic Mindset: Never Settle…for Too Long and Aha, Mother’s Pearls.
"I learned about the nomadic mindset a year ago when I met Kevin Cottam. In today’s world, his message is highly relevant and inspiring. It is a refreshing guide to expand our mindset and developing our leadership."
- Juan Jose Zevallos, Global Human Resources Leader (Alcon)
Devdutt Pattanaik writes on the relevance of mythology in modern times and came out with his sexuality after the 2018 decriminalization of homosexuality in India. He is the author of 41 books and over 1000 columns, with bestsellers such as My Gita, Jaya, Sita, Business Sutra and the 7 Secret Series. He consults organisations on culture, diversity and leadership and speaks on various gender fluid characters in mythology and ancient scriptures.
"This is what I call a 'Beautiful Mind', crystal clear thought process, a mellifluous flow of words, and great wisdom"
- Hari Sundaram (Specialist Leader, Leading consulting firm)
As managing director, Asia Pacific for Randstad Sourceright, Anthea Collier brings 25 years of experience supporting regional and global recruitment clients across Asia Pacific and the United States. Anthea started building her experience of large outsourced talent acquisition programs in 2000 and spent 15 years working in the U.S designing and delivering contingent managed service programs (MSP) and recruitment process outsourcing solutions (RPO). She fully understands the challenges and nuances of the region and is an active speaker on diversity and inclusion strategy for firms.
"Anthea is one of those rare professionals who somehow inspire everyone to smile and feel motivated to work hard."
- Peter Lipscombe, Manager, FinXL
Parmesh founded and ran the Godrej India Culture Lab, an award winning experimental ideas space, from 2011 to 2021. The lab was a unique public space that crosspollinated people and ideas from across academia, business and the creative industries to explore the textured nature of Indian modernity. His first book Gay Bombay and second book Queeristan: LGBTQ Inclusion in the Indian Workplace received the CK Prahalad Award for Best Business Book of 2021.
"Women Power is our nations pride always, and Mary is leading as an example to all our Youths. She is an epitome of strength, grace and humility."
- CHRO, MiQ Digital
Kalki Subramaniam is an Indian transgender activist, queer artist, entrepreneur, poet, actor and inspirational speaker. She is also a member of the National Council of Trans Persons constituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in India. Kalki is an expert in DEIB issues and is the founder of Sahodari Foundation, an organization that works for Indian transgender population through its powerful and innovative projects that bring social change and empowerment. She was one of the prominent activists who lobbied for the recognition of legal rights for transgender people and was one among the activists responsible in the milestone victory in 2014 when the Supreme court of India finally recognized the transgender community’s civil rights in the country. Kalki has received several awards for her social work and contributions for the upliftment of the under privileged transgender persons.
The internationally bestselling author of Softening the Edge, the host of Empathy for Breakfast 365 and the founder of a first of its kind social education and inspiration platform, Empathy Everywhere. Aspirational yet accessible, with a charismatic and infectious screen presence. An author, keynote speaker, MC and deeply personable consultant, with over 15 years in the advertising industry across 25+ markets, her commitment to her craft is both contagious and utterly authentic, capturing audience instantly.
"Mimi’s vision is larger than life. Whether her sights are set on organizational wellness, creative ideas or a more empathetic world, she leads with hope and the aspiration of betterment."
-Hanna Vankuiken - VP, Account Management, Curiosity
Mette Johansson has worked in leadership roles across Asia and Europe for multinational corporations for over 15 years before she founded MetaMind Training, a training consultancy, which provides learning programmes in leadership, people and communication skills. As a highly purpose-driven and authentic leader herself, Mette speaks internationally on how to become a purpose-driven and authentic leader. Mette is a recipient of the Asia Women Icon Award and Insight Magazines 50 Most Promising Women in Business award.
"She has consistently garnered incredibly high feedback ratings from our members due to her lively and engaging sessions. Mette has the amazing ability to summarise important points in a thoughtful and enlightening way, that makes everyone feel like they learned something."
- Dona Amelia - Co Founder & Director, EGN Singapore
Gauri Sawant is a transgender activist from Mumbai. She is the director of Sakhi Char Chowghi that helps transgender people and people with HIV/AIDS Gauri Sawant adopted her daughter even though it is illegal for transgender people to adopt children. She is the petitioner of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgement that was passed in 2013. Three years after the Supreme Court recognised transgenders as a third gender, her community is still striving for basic civic rights.
"Such an inspiring story. I had tears in my eyes by the end of the session. More power to Gauri."
-Siddhi Chaudhari (Student, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology)
Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, the first transgender to represent Asia-Pacific at a United Nations task meeting, has been playing a crucial role in uplifting the lives of the LGBTQ and transgender communities in India for over a decade now. She was a contestant on the popular reality show Bigg Boss in 2011 and her efforts helped the first Transgender team to scale a Himalayan peak (Friendship peak) in 2020. She is also the Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada.
"Bold and Beautiful. Respect straight away from heart for being so vocal and to speak out her heart and mind"
- Pallavi Singh, Marketing Director
Julien leads the Global LGBT inclusion strategy for FIL working closely with senior management and the HR team to nurture FIL’s inclusive and diverse culture. Having worked in less inclusive environments Julien recognises the importance of promoting the benefits of a diverse workforce therefore creating an environment where everyone can be themselves and to be a role model for LGBT colleagues
"Julien is very good at presenting his ideas and opinions and can always be relied upon to speak his mind. I would happily recommend him to any organisation looking to deliver high quality sessions on the issues related to LGBTQ+ community."
- Yves Dermaux, Non-Executive Director and Advisor
Lynette is a data-driven marketing and human resource professional, who loves to tell stories and build long-term relationships. Her current role at foodpanda focuses on regional employee engagement and Inclusion & Diversity, creating a psychologically safe space and an environment where pandas can bring their whole, authentic selves to the table. Outside of her day job, she is motivated to empower girls and women (and men!) to promote their voices and drive equality in STEM by working with Girls in Tech Singapore
"I have had the privilege of learning with Lynette. She delivered a phenomenal session for our team which would help every individual and team to prepare for success in SEA.
- Alissa Green, Regional Sales Director, Salesforce
Ruth speaks about her personal and professional journey through the lens of someone with a visible disability and shares what it’s like to lead through a world crisis and live life without limits or labels. Ruth touches on the subjects of invisible disabilities, covering hidden differences, and otherness. Her interactive presentation speaks to how we cope with feelings of isolation, our need to feel connected to others, and the ability to rise above life’s challenges. She demonstrates the power of living authentically and enables the recognition that our differences are our greatest gift.
"Ruth was our first guest speaker, kicking off our learning & development Speaker Series with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Her personal story was courageous and inspiring — and helped us think about belonging, connectedness, and difference. She helped challenge our assumptions about ability."
- Aviva Lazar, HR professional
