Winner of the 2024 National Diversity Award, LGBT+ Role Model
Pliny Soocoormanee champions LGBT+ rights through campaigning and direct action. Here he shares insight into the importance of his work and the effect it is having for marginalised people.
How my work affects my community
My work has both inspired the community and drawn attention to critical LGBT+ issues. It is about making a real, positive impact on the everyday lives of LGBT+ refugees.
Why I started out on this journey
My journey into activism was unplanned. I initially began volunteering with the LGBT+ society at the University of Wolverhampton and in 2012, as the campaign for same-sex marriage gained momentum, I was frustrated by the irrational arguments opposing it. This frustration pushed me to take action—organising local events, engaging with local leaders, councillors, MPs and mobilising groups. The rest, as they say, is history.
The initiatives which have had the greatest impact
It is both the little actions that no one sees as well as the big visible action that grabs the headlines. The little actions that involve being kind to people, trying to understand their journey and support and believe in them when no one else does have a lasting impact. Very often this will stay with them for years and prompt them to be kind to others.
The visible actions that grab the media headlines are just as important as they send a clear message that LGBT+ people exist, as we have always existed, and we are not going back in the closet. These actions can inspire others to be more assertive and more visible, prompting them into taking direct action.
With hindsight I would have done some things differently
Looking back, I would strive to be more patient, giving people time to change at their own pace. Some individuals may never engage, but it’s worth keeping a door open. I’d also focus on listening more, being present and staying visible and proud.
My advice to other people trying to help their community
Firstly, before trying to change the world, be kind to people next to you. This is probably the biggest impact you can have.
Secondly, do not hesitate: take action! Thinking about doing something is good and sometimes we are faced with paralysis due to analysis. We analyse so much that it prevents us from any action. Take that first step. There will be people doubting you, there will be those not believing you and it hurts when that happens, especially if these are people in your own community. But don’t lose hope! Stay focused and keep going. Even when submerged in doubts, even when everything seems pointless, even when there seems to be no light: keep moving forward.
The people who have inspired me
Having a good knowledge of history, there are a number of people who have inspired me. But I need to stress that no-one is a saint. I drew inspiration from many, some more controversial than others, including Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Trotsky, Sylvia Pankhurst, Martin Luther King, Rosa Luxemburg and Gramsci.
The ways in which local or national government could help me
Additional funding would be invaluable, especially since LGBT+ refugees survive on as little as £40 per week. Support from decision-makers for LGBT+ rights, like compensation for veterans affected by anti-LGBT+ policies in the military, would also make a difference in addressing past injustices and supporting the community.
My next goals
My goal is to continue advocating for LGBT+ rights while fostering kindness and connection in my community. The award has energised me to work with organisations like the University of Wolverhampton, where I hope to inspire the next generation of activists.
What this award means to me and my community
Being a first-generation gay migrant from Mauritius, this award means more than words can express. It is not just a validation of the work I have been doing for LGBT+ rights in the UK and internationally, it also sends a strong message to the people we have helped and supported. This award is a collective win, amplifying their voices and acknowledging their struggles.
My evening at the National Diversity Awards ceremony
The ceremony was exceptional, filled with positivity and energy. Having my parents fly in from Mauritius to be with me, along with close friends, made the evening unforgettable. It was inspiring to see so many people dedicated to making the world a better place. The beautiful setting of the event added to its magic.
How this award will help me in my work
It has given me fresh impetus, a new energy and a renewed drive to keep on going. I think the imposter syndrome that sometimes circles me - a voice telling me that I am not doing enough, not doing it the right way, not really being an activist - can now be silent for a long time. The award is also enabling me to open doors to new organisations in the UK and abroad so we can get our message for LGBT+ and human rights to a wider audience.