Celina Jaitly To Receive Harvey Milk Foundation Medal At Second Annual Diversity Honors On Friday, May 13, At The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

USA - English

• India - English

"It's a great honor to be recognized with this medal from the Harvey Milk Foundation," said Jaitly. "In spite of the huge strides being made in the U.S. and in many other countries, far too many LGBT people still suffer rejection, harassment and discrimination. In 76 countries – including, my own, India – the law treats gay people as criminals, reinforcing stigma and leaving people vulnerable to blackmail and imprisonment. The work we are doing through the United Nations Free & Equal global campaign is raising awareness and challenging prejudice. It's a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with LGBT friends and allies around the world and demand equal rights, respect and recognition. I like to think that Harvey Milk himself would have heartily approved."

Celina Jaitly will be honored for her advocacy and support for the LGBT rights movement in India. Jaitly is an official Champion of the United Nations Free & Equal Campaign and a highly acclaimed Indian actress having starred in numerous award-winning Bollywood movies and other cinematic productions. A former Miss India winner and Miss Universe runner-up, she is one of the most visible advocates against the criminalization of same-sex relationships in the world's largest democracy. In 2013, the Indian Supreme Court reinstated a colonial-era law banning same sex relationships.

"Celina Jaitly is one in a million - a huge Bollywood star and a leading light in the global movement for LGBT equality," said Charles Radcliffe, Chief, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. "A stalwart ally of the LGBT community in India for more than a decade, she is, today, playing a central role in UN efforts to fight homophobia and transphobia, globally." 

"Celina Jaitly is an incredible champion of human rights, not just in India, but globally, through her unwavering support of the UN Free & Equal Campaign," said Stuart Milk, co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation and global human rights advocate. "She is guided by passion, committed to hard work, aided by grace, and the belief that our shared journey is enriched, and not weakened, by our diversity. We are honored that she is traveling halfway across the globe to join us."

Jaitly will join other Diversity Honors notables to be celebrated for their commitment to transforming lives by living authentically and advancing inclusiveness. Forces for change also being recognized are: Ryland Whittington, recipient of the annual Milk Foundation Milan Rosza Award; Peter Clark, publisher of Hotspots Media Group; Enbar Cohen, City of Aventura commissioner; Mark Denker, M.D. of Palm Beach Fertility Center; Rae Franks, lawyer and LGBT advocate; Robert Runcie, superintendent of Broward County Public Schools and Judge David Young.

"Celina Jaitly will add a global dimension to this inspiring event created to honor men and women who exemplify authenticity, leadership and courage in their communities," said Susan Renneisen, VP Community Affairs & Special Events, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. "Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is extremely proud to present this annual event again which inspires and motivates others to champion equality for all."

Guests at Diversity Honors will preview the North American premiere of the Levi's^® X Harvey Milk Foundation Pride 2016 Collection and enjoy a seated dinner plus an exclusive performance by Tony Award-winning actor/singer Levi Kreis. The awards presentation will be hosted by WSVN news anchor Omar Lewis and will include Stuart Milk's 2016 "State of the Global Equality" address.

Tickets are $175 per person and available at www.DiversityHonors.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160511/366396 

SOURCE Harvey Milk Foundation

Related Links

http://www.DiversityHonors.com