To mark IDAHOTB, Unity holds an annual global photographic competition, which is open to all EY people around the world. Called ‘Colors of the Rainbow’ the competition has six categories, each linked to one of the colors of the rainbow Pride flag. This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness and to engage allies. EY also mobilised all country offices to show support and solidarity. Each region was asked to publish a newsletter article on Wednesday 17^thMay to show support for the day, which featured messages of support from key EY leaders, including their global chairman and CEO.

In London EY hosted two IDAHOTB events. On 16^thMay they hosted an afternoon conference called ‘Making it real – Driving LGBT+ inclusion’. This event included panels debates on topics including allies and sharing LGBT+ workplace best practice, together with a keynote speech from Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Co-founder and Director of UK Black Pride.
Then on the evening of 17^thMay, IDAHOTB itself, EY hosted an evening reception to exhibit the winning and highly commended photographs from the ‘Colors of the Rainbow’ competition.

Also on 17^thMay, EY’s Global Vice-Chair for Public Policy, Beth Brooke-Marciniak, took part in the United Nations ‘Special Event to Celebrate Allies’ at UN Head Quarters in New York to mark IDAHOTB.

EY also updated its ‘Making it real – Globally’ document, a practical guide for organizations who want to better deliver LGBT+ workplace equality at a global level (and a good starting point for organisations who have, like EY, signed-up to the United Nations’ LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business).

MUMBAI | BENGALURU: Towards the end of 2015, Shashi Tharoor did his bit with an unsuccessful Bill in the Lok Sabha to decriminalise gay sex. Earlier, in an unrelated event, Arun Jaitley publicly said the Supreme Court should “reconsider” its 2013 decision which upheld an 1860 law criminalising gay sex. But it is not politicians or ministers, but India Inc which is likely to emerge the biggest and most effective flagbearer of gay rights in 2016.
Despite the present criminal status of gay sex, a handful of firms such as Godrej, Genpact, Intuit, ThoughtWorks, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Google, etc, is openly championing LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender) rights.

In October, Radhika Piramal, managing director, VIP Industries, spoke openly about her gay sexual journey. Hosting her, and giving her a platform to speak, was the Godrej India Culture Lab.

“Over the past few years our clearly articulated focus on LGBT issues has been incredibly useful to all employees,” says Parmesh Shahani, who heads Godrej India Culture Lab. “It has not only enabled more people from the LGBT community to come out, but has done great work for employer branding because young India wants to work for companies that are plural and celebrates them for who they are,” adds Shahani, who is out as gay.

Others such as Genpact work proactively to create a safe and inclusive working environment for those from the LGBT community, not just within company premises but outside too. “We actively participate in events — like the recent LGBT career fair in London — to build this diverse talent pool,” says Sasha Sanyal, senior vice-president (corporate strategy & initiatives), Genpact.

“We would be delighted if something similar was organised in India as well and would be amongst the first to get involved.” On May 17, the international day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Nisaba Godrej, executive director of Godrej Consumer Products, sent out an email to all employees.