May 23, 2019
Washington, DC—The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, and its international division, NGLCC Global, are proud to announce the launch of RWS – India’s Diverse Chamber. RWS will be India’s leading organization focused on economic opportunities, workplace protections, human rights advancements, and expansion of the tourism market for the LGBTI community in India and beyond.
“India is a world leader in technology and innovation, so it is no surprise that India is now home to an innovative, inspiring new organization focused on one of the most important truths in our modern, globalized economy: diversity is good for business. We are so proud to welcome RWS – India’s Diverse Chamber to our international network of LGBTI chamber affiliates, who work together to bridge small business owners, global leaders, economic development and human rights experts, governments, and the private sector to cultivate a more socially and economically inclusive world,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson.
Shortly after the Indian Supreme Court struck down Section 377 in September 2018, a colonial era law which criminalized same-sex expressions of love, RWS – India’s Diverse Chamber was formalized with a mission to inspire social change by empowering LGBTI people in India. As the first NGLCC affiliate chamber in Asia, the leadership of the Indian chamber has worked closely with NGLCC Global to build multinational coalitions to support their launch and learn the best practices of their fellow NGLCC Global affiliate partners. Co-Founders Simran Shaikh and Vinay Kumar have been actively engaged in representing Indian business interests at the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference, NGLCC Global LGBTI Business Week, and other NGLCC-led events worldwide since 2017.
“Our more than 250 corporate and government partners share in our excitement to welcome India’s Diverse Chamber to build an inclusive global economy in which LGBTI entrepreneurs and their allied business partners are free to trade, develop, and succeed. Governments, multinational corporations, and small businesses each play a role in the critical connection between LGBTI human rights and economic development,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & CEO Chance Mitchell. “As nations move toward greater inclusion and opportunity, the result is a proven boost in national economic output as well as private sector growth. We’re so pleased to see this message spread throughout India and across South Asia as more countries are focusing on sustainable development and economic strength for the global LGBTI community. Together, with our global partners, we will ensure our community thrives on every continent.”
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ABOUT NGLCC:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT- owned businesses. www.nglcc.org @nglcc
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT- owned businesses. www.nglcc.org @nglcc
ABOUT NGLCC GLOBAL:
NGLCC Global, the international division of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, connects LGBTI-owned and allied companies, multinational corporations, and international affiliate chamber leaders and members. Together they promote the growth of small businesses and provide the quickest and most effective path to broad-based economic advancement and empowerment of the global LGBTI community. www.nglcc.org/global
NGLCC Global, the international division of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, connects LGBTI-owned and allied companies, multinational corporations, and international affiliate chamber leaders and members. Together they promote the growth of small businesses and provide the quickest and most effective path to broad-based economic advancement and empowerment of the global LGBTI community. www.nglcc.org/global
