ATLANTA — To celebrate the recent Supreme Court verdict on decriminalization of homosexuality and abolishing of IPC sec 377 in India, online retailer IMbesharam.com has pledged $100,000 towards uplifting of the LGBT+ community in India.
According to the company, the funds will be apportioned between “credible non profit organizations, charities, institutions and individuals that have in past demonstrated efforts, initiatives and accomplishments that have resulted in the welfare, wellbeing, mental and social development as well as lifestyle improvement of the LGBT+ community,” the company said. “It will also support and sponsor independent campaigns to encourage men and women to speak up and come out, build the cultural awareness with a social cause to embrace the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning as equal and valuable part of our society as well as threads in the same fabric of a progressive nation.”
Besharam co-founders Raj Armani and Salim Rajan have supported various organizations and outlets, such as online community Gaysi and Gaylaxy, India’s magazine for the gay community), that are passionate and engaged in broadcasting the message of the LGBT community.
The pledge to give back to the community by supporting a cause that the founders believe in was an instrumental component of the recently launched fundraising initiatives by the founders, the company said. Of the desired $2 million goal, $100,000 has been earmarked for their charitable efforts and will be disbursed over the course of 2019 to qualified organizations in India. More information about the fundraising initiatives is available on BigFishBrownPond.com
The process to apply, qualify and be considered for the fund appropriation will entail submissions of the "IMB
Pledge Qualification Form" which will be collected through January and reviewed in February by the founders and board members of the company. Non-profit organizations, charities, institutions and individuals can submit their applications before the deadline of Jan. 31, 11.59pm IST. Any additional inquiries about the pledge, the process and purpose can be sent via email to ceo@imbesharam.com.
