The Peter Tatchell Foundation, the human / LGBTQ+ rights organisation, has announced 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.
Originally from Mauritius and residing in the UK for the past 18 years, Pliny has been instrumental in spearheading campaigns that bring attention to global LGBTQ+ issues. Notably, he campaigned in Mumbai, urging the International Olympic Committee to refrain from awarding the Olympic Games to nations with anti-LGBTQ+ 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 LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, Pliny’s work with LGBTQ+ 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 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 LGBTQ+ community whose voices are often silenced. I would like to dedicate this award to the Afghan LGBTQ+ 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 National Diversity Awards’ 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 LGBTQ+ community, both in the UK and globally.”
