Recognition for aiding hundreds of LGBT+ refugees win asylum
Award dedicated to Afghan LGBT group: Roshaniya
London – 7 October 2024
The Peter Tatchell Foundation is proud to announce that Pliny Soocoormanee, the Foundation’s Executive Officer, has been honoured with the prestigious National Diversity Award for Positive Role Model in the LGBT+ category. It’s a huge achievement to win, as over 90,000 nominees and 125 finalists in 15 categories were named in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.
Originally from Mauritius and residing in the UK for the past 18 years, Pliny’s tireless dedication to advancing LGBT+ rights has been recognised on a national stage.
He has been instrumental in spearheading campaigns that bring attention to global LGBT+ issues. Notably, he campaigned in Mumbai, urging the International Olympic Committee to refrain from awarding the Olympic Games to nations with anti-LGBT+ policies. This campaign amplified global awareness of homophobic regimes and homophobia in sport.
In the UK, Pliny has helped secure apologies from 20 police forces for their historical homophobic witch-hunts. This unprecedented achievement marks a major step towards justice and reconciliation for the LGBT+ community.
Additionally, Pliny’s work with LGBT+ refugees has had a profound life-changing impact. Every year, he supports around 200 refugees fleeing homophobia and persecution from countries such as Uganda, Pakistan and Russia, helping them find safety and rebuild their lives in the UK.
Upon receiving the award at the NDA ceremony in Liverpool Cathedral on 4 October, Pliny said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but the real victory is for all those in the LGBT+ community whose voices are often silenced. I would like to dedicate this award to the Afghan LGBT group, Roshaniya, and all the fearless activists in Afghanistan.
“This recognition shines a light on the ongoing struggles we face and the importance of solidarity and action. We are not free until all of us are free, whether in Palestine, Ukraine, Tamil Eelam, Uganda or West Papua. My work is driven by the need for justice, and I am grateful for this platform to continue advocating for those who need it most.”
Peter Tatchell, founder of the Peter Tatchell Foundation and winner of the NDA’s first Lifetime Achievement Award, added:
“Pliny is a true champion of human rights. His work, from challenging international homophobia to supporting refugees fleeing persecution, is saving lives and changing hearts and minds. This award is a testament to his incredible dedication and his profound impact within the LGBT+ community, both in the UK and globally.”
The Peter Tatchell Foundation congratulates Pliny Soocoormanee on this well-deserved honour, reflecting his unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and human rights.