LGBT rights PSA in India becomes most-watched video ever produced by the United Nations

‘The Welcome’ features actress Celina Jaitly.

By Deepak Chitnis

WASHINGTON, DC: A Public Service Announcement (PSA) video promoting LGBT rights in India has become the most-watched video ever produced by the United Nations, the international peacekeeping body announced.

The video is part of the UN’s Free & Equal Campaign, which aims to promote equality for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender individuals in all countries around the world. The Indian one, which is entitled “The Welcome,” has been viewed 1.38 million times as of Wednesday, and was originally posted by UN Human Rights on April 29.

“The Welcome” features Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, who has been a long-time advocate for LGBT rights, and a song written by Rajesh Roshan (Hrithik Roshan’s composer uncle) and Amit Khanna, which is performed and remixed by Bombay Vikings front man Neeraj Shridhar. In their description of the video, the UN says the following:

“The United Nations Free & Equal campaign presents the first-ever Bollywood music video for gay rights, featuring Bollywood actress and UN Equality Champion Celina Jaitly. Share if you believe everyone should be welcomed into their family’s hearts, regardless of their sexual orientation.”

On Tuesday, Jaitly tweeted her enthusiasm as the video crossed one million views worldwide, saying ““As my song/video for @UN @free_equal #thewelcome crosses 1MILLION VIEWS on @YouTube I feel so blessed in the holy mnth of Ramadan!ThNk U ALL”

“The Welcome” can be viewed below, and the UN encourages sharing and re-posting the video as much as possible to spread awareness. The organization condemned India’s decision to uphold anti-LGBT legislation back in December, and hopes that with a new government in charge, the country can move forward with LGBT causes.