Paving The Way For Queer Inclusion In Indian Workplaces: Addressing LGBTQIA+ Discrimination Through Inclusive Policies

New Delhi, June 12 (TNA) Nazariya QFRG (Queer Feminist Resource Group), a queer women and trans* persons led and run organisation working to make LGBT*QIA+ lives visible, held Qubicle, a seminar on Monday for queering workplaces for diversity, equity. The seminar, which was organised along with Avian WE, an integrated communications firm, saw participation from over 20 organisations, including major corporations and NGOs from across India.

Kama Ayurveda and Urbanic supported the seminar as gifting partners. Anurag Kundu, Chairperson, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR), also graced the event and shared his views on the importance of workplace inclusion.

An important aspect of Qubicle was the screening of three powerful campaign films produced by Nazariya. These films highlighted workplace exclusion and often-unvoiced issues endured by queer and trans* individuals on a regular basis.

By bringing to the forefront the minute details about how exclusion can present itself, the films intend to initiate conversations within and amongst organisations on the various aspects they need to look at while talking about inclusion.

Launching the films, Anurag Kundu spoke about the necessity of creating an enabling environment for LGBTQIA+ persons: “Inclusion, representation, and equitable opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace are a powerful tool for societal change. By creating spaces that value diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are fostering an environment that can catalyse widespread transformation”.

The 2016 Indian LGBT Workplace Climate Survey exposed the fact that over half of the Indian LGBT population surveyed could face termination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. It further indicated that a staggering 87% lacked access to official LGBT Employee Resource Groups. A large 40% of the participants had experienced harassment and numerous individuals had been subjected to the distress of homophobic remarks.

Rituparna Borah, Co-Founder and Executive Director, NazariyaQFRG, shared her views on the importance of open discussions, “Companies' pursuit of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) should be a sustained, year-round commitment, rather than a symbolic gesture primarily visible during Pride Month. The drive for inclusivity ought to be purposeful, encompassing an extensive overhaul of policies and infrastructure to truly cultivate environments that are safe and welcoming for LGBT individuals, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. Such intentional efforts not only elevate a company's productivity but also spotlight its human-centric ethos, proving that the organization values every individual, celebrating their unique identities and experiences.”