From Legal Victory to Lived Inclusion

The 2018 decriminalisation of Section 377 was a landmark moment for India’s LGBTQIA+ community. But while the legal victory was critical, the path to true societal acceptance remains complex—especially within the conservative corners of corporate India. This is where The LaLiT Hotels stands out, embedding DEI not just in policy, but in practice, culture, and purpose.

With the support of the Keshav Suri Foundation, the group leads by example—celebrating Pride Month through initiatives that amplify queer voices, honour diverse identities, and foster a sense of belonging all year round.

At The LaLiT, Pride Is a Way of Life

The LaLiT is the only Indian hotel chain accredited by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), and has been recognised as a Top 10 inclusive employer by the India Workplace Equality Index. Pride isn’t limited to June—it’s part of the brand’s identity. Across all properties, guests and staff alike encounter the vibrant signs of inclusion: rainbow flags, storytelling circles, drag brunches, queer bazaars, inclusive hiring fairs, and more.

“Inclusion isn’t a campaign at The LaLiT—it’s our culture,” says Keshav Suri. “It shows up in our hiring practices, the art we curate, and the welcome we extend to everyone.”

Suri recalls how rival hospitality brands have reached out to him for guidance on their own DEI efforts, including sensitisation workshops. “We’re building a niche that attracts domestic and international interest. For me, this is bigger than competition—it’s about creating an inclusive future.”

Pride Beyond the Symbolism

With the Keshav Suri Foundation as a key partner, The LaLiT celebrates Pride Month through impactful and intentional programming. From internal Pride parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies to community-driven events featuring LGBTQIA+ leaders, drag performers, artists, NGOs, and allies—each initiative is a powerful act of visibility and affirmation.

“Post the historic Section 377 ruling, we’ve seen a cultural shift,” says Akshay Tyagi, Head of DEI and a founding member of the Keshav Suri Foundation. “Kitty Su has been at the heart of this movement—offering a stage for queer expression, joy, and resistance. Our mission has always been to hold space, open doors, and ensure people feel safe, seen, and celebrated.”

DEI at The LaLiT: Built Into the Blueprint

At The LaLiT, DEI isn’t a side project—it’s the foundation. As Tyagi puts it: “When you lead with values, people follow with heart. We don’t enforce inclusion—we live it.”

The group has implemented progressive changes across its operations, such as:

• Adoption of preferred names and pronouns
   
• Gender-neutral POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policies
   
• Inclusion of gender-affirming care in health insurance plans
  
   

From their rainbow-coloured mascot Elphie to Elphie Books designed to educate and spark conversation, every detail reflects a deep-rooted commitment to representation and dignity. Through partnerships with queer artists and entrepreneurs, their impact reaches far beyond the hotel lobby.

The LaLiT’s DEI efforts extend into arts and storytelling through Unboxed, a platform created to amplify voices often left out of the mainstream—stories of queerness, resilience, and joy. One such initiative, OUTFrame, is a three-day residential mobile filmmaking workshop developed in collaboration with filmmaker Tushar Tyagi. The workshop has empowered over 25 queer youth to create films that are not just technically sound but emotionally resonant.

In memory of changemaker Aditya Nanda, The LaLiT launched a scholarship supporting LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education. Since 2019, over 30 scholars have benefitted—attending institutions like The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School, Lovely Professional University, and the Indian School of Hospitality. “This isn’t just financial aid—it’s affirmation, dignity, and hope,” says Tyagi.

Redefining Hospitality: A Human-Centered Approach

At The LaLiT, inclusion means you don’t have to wear a mask to work. “At Kitty Su, queer performers don’t just entertain—they empower,” Tyagi shares. “Diversity isn’t a goal—it’s our core strength. We don’t do this for headlines. We do it because this is the world we want to live in.”

Their journey began with dialogue and awareness, followed by intentional hiring. But sustaining inclusion has required empathy, training, and partnership. The LaLiT has collaborated with over 100 community organisations, successfully onboarding more than 200 out-and-proud transgender and queer individuals—many of whom found not just employment, but a sense of family.

From redesigning restrooms and rewriting policies to reimagining training modules, The LaLiT is not just transforming its workplace—it’s reshaping the hospitality industry.

“DEI isn’t about numbers—it’s about people,” concludes Tyagi. “We’re not just changing policies—we’re changing possibilities. And to be a part of that journey with The LaLiT is the greatest privilege of my life,” he concludes.