Let's Spark Change Together!
Hello! I’m Rahul Upadhyay (they/them) — a Human Rights Defender, international speaker and pride organizer, and LGBTQIA+ advocate from India. I bring nearly a decade of experience in grassroots activism, global advocacy, and community building focused on LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equity, and inclusion.
As the Founding Director of Gandhinagar Queer Pride Foundation, I’ve led one of Gujarat’s most visible queer movements—organizing Pride marches, gender sensitization workshops, and sexual health initiatives, while supporting individuals from the community facing familial or societal violence.
I currently serve as Co-President of InterPride, the global network behind WorldPride, representing Pride organizations across Asia and beyond. I’m proud to be the youngest and first South Asian to hold this position in InterPride’s 42-year history. I also co-chair the WorldPride committee, overseeing its global bidding and planning process.
In 2020, I served as the Lead Curator for Global Pride, the largest virtual Pride event in history, coordinating content from across time zones and regions to unite millions around the world. Since then, I’ve spoken at major global events including Pride: Out & Loud (Copenhagen 2025), Human Rights Conference (WorldPride 2025), Madrid Human Rights Summit 2024, Washington DC Pride, Sydney WorldPride 2023, Copenhagen WorldPride 2021, Athens World Conference 2019 and more—using storytelling, strategy, and lived experience to advocate for change.
Now accepting booking for keynotes, DEI workshops, and consultations. Let’s collaborate to build inclusive spaces and bold movements that drive lasting impact.
Book a session or invite me to speak today.
Rahul Upadhyay
(They/Them)
Advocating with Purpose. Leading with Heart. Transforming Communities.
From grassroots movements to international platforms, I elevate unheard voices, challenge injustice, and shape inclusive spaces where everyone belongs.
Let’s spark change—through bold conversations, collective action, and stories that move the world.
Leading, Mobilizing, Transforming
LEADERSHIP ROLES
November 2023 - Present
Co-President
InterPride
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Providing visionary leadership to the organization, setting strategic objectives and ensuring alignment with InterPride’s mission and values.
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Overseeing the organization’s governance, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
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Leading the Board of Directors, facilitating effective communication, decision-making, and collaboration among board members.
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Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including member organizations, sponsors, partners, and allies.
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Serving as the primary spokesperson for InterPride, representing the organization at national and international events, forums, and media engagements.
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Overseeing the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that support the global pride movement and enhance organizational impact.
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Leading fundraising efforts, securing financial resources and sponsorships to support InterPride’s activities and initiatives.
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Fostering a sense of community and collaboration among member organizations, promoting knowledge sharing and mutual support.
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Working closely with the executive team to ensure effective operational management, including budget oversight, staff management, and resource allocation.
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Addressing and managing crises or challenges facing the organization, ensuring effective communication and resolution.
2021 - 2023
InterPride
Vice-President, Global Outreach and Partnership
Board of Director
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Directed global outreach initiatives to support and onboard pride organizations in under-represented regions, increasing InterPride's global presence.
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Built and maintained relationships with international pride organizations, fostering collaboration and mutual support.
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Led the planning and execution of outreach programs and partnerships, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
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Facilitated networking opportunities for pride organizations, enabling knowledge sharing and resource exchange.
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Represented InterPride at international events and forums, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion.
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Conducted regular meetings and maintained thorough documentation, ensuring transparency and effective communication with stakeholders.
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Team Leadership: Coordinated with regional representatives and committees to achieve strategic objectives, fostering a collaborative work environment.
November 2019 - Present
Gandhinagar Queer Pride Foundation
Founder and Director
Gandhinagar Queer Pride is a young collective of diverse people that provides safe, social, and inclusive space to the LGBTQ+ community, works towards the upliftment of the sexual minorities and marginalized communities in the state. We work in various capacities:
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Organizing Pride events: Pride parades, community engagement events, cultural events, Queer fair, etc.
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Conducting gender sensitization workshops and sessions in colleges and universities.
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Rescuing people and helping them with legal, and financial aids (by fundraising and some grants).
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Organizing monthly free HIV-STIs testing camps
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Connecting LGBTQIA+ people with groups/organizations in their regions.
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Tie up with corporates, educational institutions and other organizations.
January 2021 - Present
InterPride
Co-Chair, WorldPride Committee
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Managing the WorldPride event, coordinating with hosting organizations and ensuring successful execution.
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Chairing monthly committee meetings, reporting to co-presidents and overseeing the bidding process.
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Working closely with the host organizations to ensure successful execution of the event.