The Times of India: Out & Proud

September 6, 2018 will forever be remembered as a landmark day for the world's largest democracy as India took an iconic step to build a progressive and inclusive future when the Supreme Court of India decriminalised the 158-year-old colonial law of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. With this landmark judgment, the gay community got a legal nod to sexual rights. Although laws have changed for the better, we still witness negative attitudes towards the LGBTQ people unfortunately persisting. To address this taboo, The Times of India, in collaboration with FCB India, launched the campaign 'Times Out & Proud' to drive the one-point agenda – Acceptance. A majority of the LGBTQ community is still living a life of discrimination and constantly worrying about how their choices may impact their loved ones. Today, the LGBTQ community across the world has been striving for one goal that most of us take for granted: Acceptance. On the occasion of International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), The Times of India (TOI), India’s iconic media house in collaboration with FCB Ulka, launched the initiative 'Times Out & Proud' that gives hope of an inclusive society. This campaign is aimed to empower the members of the LGBTQ community to live a dignified life with acceptance and pride. On May 17, 1990, the General Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from their list of mental disorders. This decision by the WHO constitutes a historic date and powerful symbol for members of the LGBTQ community. With this campaign, TOI hopes to carve out a mainstream space for members of the community who identify as LGBTQ to interact, share and collaborate with the entire Indian population. As part of the campaign, TOI invites the LGBTQ community to share their stories with the newspaper – their highs and lows, their celebrations, their announcements, their milestones, etc. TOI launches Times Out & Proud Classifieds on the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) that will carry these stories across key metros at no cost during the tenure of the campaign. The campaign film launched on TOI’s digital platform, and portrays a captivating story of people from the LGBTQ community and their families who have been living with the hope of an inclusive world. The film offers a sneak peak into the lives of the people who have endured all societal discriminations as they pour their heart out in the classifieds columns. The campaign urges the families and friends of the LGBTQ community to extend their support to their loved ones.