Apraava Energy’s Post

I started my journey as an BDA in ed-tech which was dominated by male workers. It  was a toxic environment and they would often use unprofessional language and slurs in the workplace. I switched to IT but my experience wasn’t great there either. I spoke to HR regarding DEI inclusion, but they refused stating that it wasn’t in their policies at that point of time. Having people with similar experiences makes it easier for anyone to share their challenges and it starts from representation. Initially expressing my true self was a task but having spent enough years hiding for societal reasons, I don’t hesitate to be myself anymore. Certain companies simply focus on DEI just to tick some checkboxes. Instead, they should focus on sensitising and extending empathy to the issues faced by the people of the community. Moreover, these sensitization sessions are also conducted by folks who lack knowledge regarding these topics. My ideas were also not accepted, probably because it might not have gotten them an award. A few people also felt these ideas were a bit “too much”. Over the time, I have learned ways to make a place for myself, stand for my rights and empower queer people. From my end, I have single handedly trained the TA team of my organisation to become more sensitive towards queer folx. I became the first and only person from my company who’s out as a queer person from India. I continue to work towards bringing a difference in the DEI sector and fight through the biases and policies. Because it’s important and if I can I will, because someone needs to. What keeps me motivated towards queer liberation despite some of these challenges, is my mother. If someone who has not had as much exposure as my mother is supportive, then any of us who’s working in corporate can too. It’s ok to be slow and at times, not be able to understand everything in one go. But efforts are very important. And these collective efforts will be what will take us to our goal. Taking the DEI matters into my own hands, Kunal Gogna, 27 Male, Gay Senior Application Engineer, Technology A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

It was during an internal Pride March in my organization in 2022 when I came out publicly in front of everyone. Even though the idea of coming out at work and owning my sexuality and being truly who I am, initially felt very daunting it was also absolutely exhilarating. I received nothing but support, acceptance and encouragement from all my colleagues. We out and proud queer folx are generally more inclined towards creative fields. So the tech space in my experience doesn’t really see a lot of people who are out and open about their sexuality or gender identity even though there are plenty. The concept of queerness is still a little alien compared to other creative fields of work. That is why I feel, being out, creating examples and raising awareness about the LGBTQIA community is of utmost importance there.That is what I dream to change, especially with my decision to come out so openly in my workplace. This made me aware of the extreme privilege I have in being able to work in an organization which takes inclusion so seriously. This really motivated me to work more and raise more awareness about LGBTQ+ inclusion because if not us then who? I ended up leading the Pride ERG in my organization and currently am the lead for the India chapter of our Pride ERG across 5 locations in India. Not only did I meet some amazing allies but also wrote an article in Forbes India speaking about my experiences as an out gay man in the technology space and got featured in Times of India for the same. True inclusivity is not only practiced but celebrated in my organization throughout the year. It believes in the fabric of inclusion at the core. From sensitization sessions to experience sharing sessions and organizing Pride events and marches, my organization works relentlessly towards the concept of inclusion at the workplace, so that we can bring our authentic selves to work every day. I am glad that we are at a time when most Indian corporations including the one I work in are working towards that goal and creating a significant cultural shift. Out, about & on it, Satyaki Chakrabarti (He/Him), 32, Cis Male, Gay Senior Software Developer, Technology A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #QueerProfessionals

I think almost all of us have faced and continue to face challenges at our workspaces due to our gender & sexual orientation. However, recently I had a life changing experience that instilled in me a lot of hope. I was brought on board for a queer docuseries, where I was amazed at how sensitively the teams were created and divided. Equality was the theme through and through, starting with how the team had an equal amount of queers, cis women and cis men. As we kickstarted the project, the entire crew had to attend a sensitivity workshop to learn the right language and way of conduct. We even had sensitivity reminders at multiple stages and points of contacts designated. As the work progressed, I realized how every individual's point of view was considered equally important, irrespective of the designation. Everyone's gaze and perspective, whether queer or cis, was taken into account. Watching all of this come together was nothing short of a magical experience. At many stages I would come home from work and breakdown because of my beautiful experiences from the day. To be in a room of cis het people discussing how relatable a queer story is and debating the most beautiful way to portray a queer relationship on television is something I could have only hoped for, not even imagined. Before this project, a workplace like this only existed in my imagination. If not our generation, I hoped the next one would get to experience a workspace like this. However, this humane journey has now set a benchmark for me. Working on this project has made me more confident. It has helped me carry my pride on my sleeve.  While I don't know if I’ll experience this again, I do know that a great workspace for everyone is a possibility. Letting the high hopes fly, Radhika Paul, 37 Woman, Lesbian Producer / Chief Assistant Director A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #QueerProfessionals

⏱In the fast-paced and often stressful world of work, taking a few moments to have fun have a profound impact. 🗣These interactions foster trust, communication, collaboration, ultimately enhancing work environment. 🗃Here's why they matter: ✅ Builds Trust: Sharing fun moments outside of work tasks helps build trust among colleagues. ✅ Enhances Communication: Fun moments create a relaxed atmosphere where people are more open to communication. ✅ Boosts Morale: Laughter and enjoyable activities can boost morale and motivation. ✅ Reduces Conflict: Building personal connections often leads to better conflict resolution. ✅ Encourages Collaboration: Colleagues who have bonded are more inclined to collaborate effectively on projects, which can lead to better results. ✅ Improves Retention: Employees are more likely to stay with a company where they have strong relationships and feel a sense of belonging. Fun moments at work contribute to this sense of belonging. Thank you Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for creating such moments Thanks for the super company Kayan S. Deepak Nayak Siddhartha Shukla Tania Mukhopadhyay Suraj Kumar Kapil Gangwani Joban Aarti Sharma Rahul Kumar Daniel LinkedIn for Creators LinkedIn News India #Diversity #Inclusion #GenderDiversity #GenderEquity #GenerationEquality #GenerationalDiversity #DiversityEquityInclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #LGBTQ #LGBTQAwareness #TransgenderAwareness  #DisabilityAwareness #PsychologicalSafety #DEI

I met Parmesh at the perfect time – just when I needed inspiration and direction for my half-written post about how it is important to enable inclusion and “change through structure, not revolution”. I enjoyed listening to him talk about the simple and actionable ways that we can bring about changes through structure, which is his strategy to make spaces more inclusive – one that he very articulately phrased - “Jugaad Resistance” in his book. A phrase you will now hear me use very often henceforth when I push for change through structure here, and everywhere else. The idea that some revolutions happen in boardrooms is one that I strongly believe in and one that makes the most sense to me. How to make spaces inclusive? You start with the one you spend the most time in – your office and your house. And how to get people to care enough to think about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging – you make policies and make it an important part of their workplaces so they can take the ideas home and everywhere else. More about this in my upcoming posts after I jot down ideas and ideologies from #Queeristan – Parmesh Shahani's memoir-manifesto business book on inclusion in the Indian workplace. Thank you, Parmesh, for being so kind on-stage, off-stage and for giving me a signed copy of your book. As someone who wants to do more in the DEI space, I’m jumping in excitement. #queeristan #inclusion #diversity #DEIatwork

🌈 Advocating for Equality: Gender-Neutral Bathrooms at MITS Gwalior 🚻 I am thrilled to share my participation in a recent debate competition at MITS Gwalior, where the topic under discussion was "Gender-Neutral Bathrooms." 🗣️ In a world that is becoming increasingly inclusive and diverse, it's paramount that we address the needs and rights of every individual, including our LGBTQ+ community members. 🏳️🌈 MITS Gwalior has taken a significant step forward by opening up this dialogue. It's not just about bathrooms; it's about fostering a safe and welcoming environment for everyone on campus, free from any discrimination or interruption. 🤝 I firmly believe that everyone deserves the right to pursue their education without fear of judgment or discomfort. Gender-neutral bathrooms are a simple yet powerful way to ensure that our LGBTQ+ friends, classmates, and colleagues feel respected and valued. 📚 Let's continue to push for inclusivity and equity in all aspects of life, starting right here at MITS Gwalior. 🌟 Together, we can create a more accepting and compassionate world for all. 💪 #GenderEquality #Inclusion #MITSGwalior #EqualityForAll #HigherEducation

🌟 Unlock the Secrets of Inclusive Hiring: Part 2 is Here! 🌍 If you missed the explosive Part 1,🚀 don't fret! Dive into it here, bit.ly/3PDxa7B to join the conversation. 🌐✨ Now, let's dive deeper into inclusive hiring. Sonia's wisdom continues to inspire!💥🌈 Hold onto your seats as we venture deeper into the realm of inclusive hiring, guided by Sonia Almeida Soares - Director of Inclusion & Diversity from Volvo Group India, transformative insights. 📌 Words Matter: Start with job descriptions. Swap masculine words like 'aggressive' with inclusive ones. Use the Job Decoder tool to fine-tune your listings. E.g., replace 'young and energetic' with 'dynamic and driven.' 💼 #Recruiters #JobDescriptions 📊 Standardize Interviews: Level the playing field with standardized interview questions. Everyone gets a fair shot! Ask the same questions to every candidate. 📋 #HiringManagers #InclusiveInterviews 🚫 No Personal Probes: Avoid irrelevant questions. Focus on skills and experience, not someone's personal history. Remember, how someone lost their arm doesn't affect their qualifications. ⏳ #HRHeads #InterviewTips 🔍 Job Decoder in Action: For instance, a job description using 'young and energetic' might deter experienced candidates. Use tools like the Job Decoder to find more inclusive alternatives. 🛠️ 💬 Microaggressions: Sonia discussed microaggressions - subtle, harmful comments. For instance, 'You speak good English for an Indian.' Recognize and address these issues in your workplace. 🙅♂️ #WorkplaceCulture #Microaggressions 📖 Learning Never Stops: Just like language, our inclusivity journey evolves. We learn, adapt, and create better workplaces. 🌟 #InclusionJourney #DiverseWorkplaces 💡 Keep Sharing: Share your thoughts and experiences below. Let's keep this crucial conversation alive! How have you improved your job postings and interviews? 💬 #DiversityMatters #LinkedInCommunity #GainGain Skills Business Media Pvt Ltd 🌟 But wait, there's more! 🎉 Besides the incredible insights shared at #LNDConfex2023, I had the privilege of mingling with luminaries in the field. Think of it as a star-studded L&D extravaganza! ✨🚀 Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Jayesh K P, Angeline Babu, Archana Rajesh (She/Her), Roydon Gonsalvez, Sunandha Govindan, Sonia Almeida Soares, Neelam Ahluwalia, Anshul Verma, and a galaxy of other brilliant minds - now that's where the magic truly happens. 🌠🤝 Prepare to bask in the radiance of their wisdom! 💡🌐

🌐 As I reflect on the impactful lessons from this conference 🌟, I'm reminded of Sonia's enlightening session at the L&D Confex & Awards 2023 ...... 🌐 Just had a mind-opening session at the L&D Confex & Awards 2023, where Sonia Almeida Soares, Director of Inclusion & Diversity from Volvo Group India shared powerful examples of how language and business communication can transform inclusion and belonging. 🗣️💼 Sonia's insights were eye-opening: 🔹 She asked us to consider the most common phrase "Guys, let's get to work." It's not gender-neutral and excludes many. Instead, she suggested using "Friends, let's get to work" or "Colleagues, let's get to work" for a more inclusive approach. 👫👬 🔹 Sonia pointed out that even simple questions like "Would your wife accompany you on this trip?" can be exclusionary. What about unmarried couples or LGBTQ+ partners? Instead, we can use "Would your partner accompany you on this trip?" to be more inclusive. 🌈🧳 🔹 She emphasized the importance of using "chairperson" instead of "chairman" to avoid making male the default gender. It's a small change that makes a big difference. ♀️♂️ 🔹 Sonia's presentation showed us that language matters. It's about acknowledging diversity, showing respect, and creating equal opportunities through our words. 💬🌍 Imagine the impact of using inclusive language at your workplace - increased sense of belonging, reinforced diversity and inclusion, and the foundation for a human-centric culture. 🙌✨ The Supreme Court of India's recent initiative to combat gender stereotypes through its handbook is a commendable stride towards breaking down biases and fostering a more inclusive society. 🇮🇳📚 Let's all acknowledge our biases, make conscious efforts to overcome them, and start using language that truly respects and includes everyone. Together, we can create workplaces where every voice is heard. 🗨️🤝 What's your experience with unconscious bias? Share in the comments below 👇 #InclusiveLanguage #DiversityandInclusion #LNDConfex2023 #DiversityandInclusion #BreakingBiases #InclusiveLeadership #LGBTQ+Inclusion #GenderEquality #EmbraceDiversity #UnconsciousBias #Gain Skills Business Media Pvt Ltd.

I believe that it is important for us to move forward from 'favoured treatment' to 'equal treatment' in order to foster inclusivity. People belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community are often given derogatory labels which prevents them from achieving their objective of gaining acknowledgment and becoming a part of the society rather. By using inclusive language, respecting their pronouns and recognizing the importance of identity and self-expression, we can convert the society into a safe space. Moreover, there is a dire need for us to make collective efforts for breaking the gender binary that has been created by the society. In social setups such as educational institutions or workplaces, it is important to foster an environment of acceptance and equality by supporting inclusive policies and not considering them as the 'marginalized section' of our society.

Calling 𝐋𝐆𝐁𝐓+ Students (Out or Closeted) in 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐢 and 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 🌈 Pride-Ed is back with the 2nd Edition of 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭. This isn't just any event – it's a vibrant, supportive space where LGBT+ students can connect with inspiring industry leaders, develop key skills, and build valuable connections. ========= 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧: ✨Expert guidance: Get insider tips from industry leaders to craft a winning resume and unlock internship opportunities. ✨Network building: Expand your network with top companies and fellow LGBT+ professionals, all while building confidence in a supportive community. ️ ✨Invest in your future: Gain the skills and connections you need to thrive in your chosen field. ======= ======== 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: https://lnkd.in/gwUcVNmV (Limited Spots Available) ======== 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 mahak@thepridecircle.com #LGBT #SpeedMentoring #Networking #Mentoring #RegisterToday