State Dept to invest almost $50k promoting trans-inclusive policies in Indian corporations.

The State Department’s Efforts to Promote Transgender Inclusion in Indian Corporations

The State Department is taking steps to promote transgender inclusion policies in Indian corporations, allocating nearly $50,000 in taxpayer funds for this purpose.

Grant to YR Gaitonde Medical, Educational and Research Foundation

• The State Department will provide $49,813 to the YR Gaitonde Medical, Educational and Research Foundation, an Indian organization dedicated to normalizing transgenderism in workplaces.
• The grant aims to sensitize employees of corporate entities in Hyderabad and Chennai towards transgender persons in their workforce, adopt inclusive policies, and create a safe and nurturing environment.
• The objectives of the grant include supporting U.S. foreign policy goals and objectives, advancing national interests, and enhancing national security by informing and influencing foreign publics.
• The grant’s duration is from May 30, 2023, to May 31, 2024.

In addition, the State Department plans to provide the Indian group with $42,125 in non-federal funding, the origin of which is not specified.

State Department’s Focus on Transgenderism in India

• The State Department previously advertised its offer to provide up to $50,000 in grant funds to a pro-transgender organization in India, specifically seeking a program that would establish Pride/Rainbow groups within corporations to raise awareness about transgender persons and their rights.
• A concrete objective of the State Department is to influence corporations in India to develop active transgender employee recruitment plans.
• The State Department aims for corporations and businesses to increase their hiring of transgender individuals and foster a more accepting environment for employees and the general public.

A spokesperson for the State Department emphasized the need for targeted support for indigenous persons, religious and ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities, who often face disproportionate violence.

Transgender Rights in India

• India has seen a strong push for transgender rights, with landmark court rulings recognizing transgender citizens as a third gender and affirming their right to choose their gender.
• Employment discrimination against transgender individuals is deemed illegal in India.
• Transgender individuals, often referred to as “hijras,” have the legal option to undergo sex change operations.

State Department’s Support for Transgender Initiatives in Other Countries

• The State Department has allocated $2,315 to a program in Nepal that provides English language classes to professional transgender women makeup entrepreneurs, aiming to increase mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchange.
• In Kyrgyzstan, the State Department has pledged $30,000 to a pro-transgender group to prevent gender-based violence against the transgender community and promote acceptance through sensitivity and advocacy trainings, as well as media campaigns.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases