Queering Workspaces’ Post

Dear Professional Queers, It’s Boss Day, tag your bosses besties! Take time out to show your ally bosses some appreciation today! And hey, if you’d like to share about being a queer boss or an ally boss, we’re listening! Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 Taking notes🗒️, Godrej Properties Limited x Gaysi Family 🌈 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

People go for MBA degrees mostly out of job security, but when you're a trans person, it's a much more complicated conversation. For us, apart from finances, it's about finding access to gender-affirming care, a queer-friendly apartment and being able to live on our own terms. I too pursued an MBA, with all these hopes. However, these degrees are expensive and like many Indian kids, I hesitantly relied on my parents for the same. The thing about being dependent on someone else is that you feel like you’re a burden. So I was worried that I might be wasting my parent’s money and disappointing them. This loop had to break somehow and getting employed was the answer to all of this. I always knew that I wanted to give back to my community and one way to do that was through strategic DEI-HR. It’s usually done performatively but has so much untapped potential. I want to bring different voices to the table and ensure that they get to lead a dignified life. The job hunt wasn’t easy, I had to be cautious at every stage and it was exhausting. Sometimes I had to hide my identity in interviews and sometimes I was open about it. That opened up a can of worms because some interviewers made it sound like they’re doing me a favor by offering me a job. I could’ve all the capabilities to perform and yet, I’d be expected to prove myself constantly. This changed when I got in touch with my current boss– a trans woman like myself. When the right opportunity came, I gave the interview and got selected solely based on my strengths without any judgements on my dressing style or gender. Today, I've found more motivation because of my current workspace and I made the decision to transition. In fact, my company provided me with the necessary resources! Everyday I walk into this office, and there’s a sense of respect. My parents are no longer anxious about my livelihood or identity anymore. As for me, I feel appreciated with a new sense of purpose and I never feel like missing a day. Working on my financial and self expression plan, Jamini Baviskar, 24 Trans woman, Queer Diversity, Inclusion & Campus Associate, Godrej Properties Limited A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

Around three months after I joined my current workspace, there was a sensitization based workshop for non-queer employees to educate them about queerness, allyship and what kind of prejudices they might have and how to deal with it. The workshop made me realise that this workspace was truly safe for folx like me. It was also the first time that I was vocal at a workspace! Even I learnt something from the workshop, which was that even queer folx need to give some benefit of doubt to our allies, and understand that we’re all learning about queerness together. I was always open about my queerness here, never censoring myself from talking about a guy in front of colleagues when we spoke about our dating lives. Our workspace is a very comfortable environment for all of us. During Pride Month last year, I was asked to speak at a company event, we call it the Human Library. I was meant to speak about my experiences, life’s journey as a queer person — how I overcame the challenges I faced for being openly queer etc. I was so glad to see not just other co-workers from the LGBTQ community but also cis-het allies present there. People joined offline, online from their homes. The Q&A session turned out to be so much more fun and transparent! So many people appreciated the way I carried the conversations and came back asking for more things to research, watch and read up about. It made me rethink, what if my queerness was also about making future-allies feel more comfortable as well? I was the first openly queer individual from the North Zone to get promoted under the first year of joining! In terms of inclusivity, it has been the best I have ever encountered in India. I used to work for another organisation that claimed to be inclusive. But once they found out about my queerness, even with the right policies in place, it couldn’t shield me from humiliation I had to face and eventually quit because I didn’t feel respected there. I feel like I have finally found a space where I know I will be respected for who I am and be cherished! Keeping some room for benefit of doubt, Imraan Najmi, 39 Male, Gay CC Site Head, Retail, Godrej Properties Limited A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

Before moving abroad to pursue academia, I was a project fellow for a majorly funded survey project that every university had to take. I remember, we were deciding what to include in the survey, which included questions, sample size, etc. While designing the questionnaire, we decided to ask about gender in the demographic category. My co-researchers only included ‘male’ and ‘female’ as options and refused to add more choices that were essential to capture gender and sexual diversity. However, they failed to understand where I was coming from. Out of frustration, I came out to them as a trans person to make my point. I wanted to set an example by speaking up because such data is not even recorded in the Census of India surveys which happen once in a decade and this mass data is crucial. Still, nobody budged and said that I needed my project head’s approval. Thankfully our project head was trans inclusive and all for it, so it worked out in the end. Even then, allyship towards trans experiences is tricky. It goes beyond just acknowledging my identity. I’ve had incidents where people who I thought were allies became bystanders of the abuse I faced. This one time, a person with a journalistic background was transphobic to me and none of my coworkers showed me their solidarity. Despite these incidents, I stay professional and complete the tasks given but it’s still challenging. For instance, working as a researcher, interviewing participants can be mentally overwhelming. When I worked in MNCs, my trans identity got fetishized and my boundaries got crossed too. I’ve gone through uncomfortable exchanges with cis-het men as well as women. We’ve to avoid these inappropriate incidents for trans folks to continue working without feeling vulnerable. In India, we do have comprehensive laws to protect the LGBTQIA+ community but we need better implementation of these legislations. From police officers to school kids, sexuality education should be imparted from the start. And all it takes is learning empathy and unlearning entitlement. Trying to make data more inclusive, Estelle Keerthana Ramaswamy 🌈, 38 Transfemme and non-binary, Heterosexual Researcher, Education A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

What are other very queer, very professh things you’ve been doing at your workspace? We’re listening 🤭 Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer [LGBT Community, queer corporate culture, inclusive workspace, corporate memes, Indian office, work memes, LGBT India]

My journey at my current workspace has had its ups and downs from time to time. It wasn’t tough because of my job or the people, but rather the city. I had just moved to Mumbai and the company gave a two week grace period where I could live in a company guest house till I found a place of my own. But I kept getting rejected during the house hunt. It was disheartening, as I got rejected on the basis of—gender, queerness, age or religion. But I chose to remain resilient and remain true to myself. Eventually I did find a place; it was unwelcoming, had several restrictions and just made me unhappy, but I chose to stick by it.The stress started affecting my work and if you have a lot going on in your personal life, no matter how much you try, you just can’t focus. It’s essential to have a good space to unwind in after a long day of work. So when my team found out about where I was living, they immediately made me move out. They offered me another temporary accommodation till I could find a space where I’d live freely as myself. That support was how I was able to pick up my performance at work. They extended their team spirit outside work for me. My relationship with them has only evolved since then, and I know everyone appreciates the kind of ideas I bring to the table! This is what happens when people actually help people from the LGBTQ+ community. I think I'm the spark, which every team needs. And I believe in boasting about myself, I'm praising myself because I love myself. I've always worked around quality training, customer based work, but HR was something new. After freelancing for years to just sustain myself, I found my space, I wasn’t even intimidated by the workload. My co-workers feel safe around me, because they did the same for me. I make them feel wanted because I know how it feels to be unwanted. It's a reminder that in the richness of diversity lies the true potential for innovation and growth. Being my own hype-gal, Christina Evers, 44 Transwoman, Asexual Assistant Manager HR & Admin, Godrej Capital A project by Godrej Industries Group and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

When I first joined the lab where I currently work at, I didn’t disclose any details about my sexuality. While my colleagues knew that I was in a relationship, they didn’t know that my partner was a man. We rarely  talk about our personal lives at work, so it didn’t matter. Another reason was that my then-roommate often passed homophobic comments, which added to my hesitance. I had also overheard my coworkers laughing while talking about homosexuality. While they did end on a positive note saying that, ‘every individual has the right to live the way they wish to.’ I stuck to not talking about my partner. What pushed me to come out was when me and my partner and I were attacked in public because of our sexuality. That day, I realised that once fear is confronted and we have to let go of it. Things would eventually fall into place. So, since then, I have publicly embraced my identity and re-adjusted the privacy settings on my social media. Even my ex-roommate has come around and is very supportive of me and my partner! The response from my lab was overwhelmingly positive and my entire team congratulated me. Hugs, comfort, rasmalai, all were offered and the celebration didn’t stop there. It was the warmth and support that truly made the difference for me. Me and my partner both decided to also invite my team members over for lunch as well, which we were glad everyone could make it too! Since then, we have tried engaging in many enriching discussions on queer rights at work, ensuring that it remains safe and inclusive! I was reminded of their reliable allyship when I had invited the then-Security Officer of the place where I am doing my research from. Unfortunately, he chose to speak about my sexual orientation behind my back, which I found out about later from my colleagues. People here were considerate enough to not entertain him and they remained respectful of my personal life, which I’m so grateful for. I consider myself privileged to work in an environment that is conducive and supportive of my identity. Mixing solutions for queer support, Abhishek Dey, 29 Man, Gay Research Scholar A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

Growing up I always enjoyed dressing up like a girl. while everyone thought that it was for fun, I knew it was so much more. Being from a small city of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, I didn't have open minded people around me. When I was raped as a 17 year old, my own parents blamed me & didn’t understand me. I was called a “chakka” or “kinnar”.  After I told everyone that I identified as a woman, I was thrown out of the house. Luckily, my aunt and uncle understood me and took me under their wing. They supported my childhood passion for photography and I moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in the same. Moving to a big city was challenging too and I had to hide my sexuality & live in disguise to find a livelihood. My uncle was my pillar of strength and even got me my first job at the studio division of one of India’s biggest companies as a Fashion Photographer. Things finally started getting better, until I lost my job to the pandemic. In February 2020, I discovered I had a second-stage brain tumour which led me to sell my camera to fund my surgery. A year-long recovery from my health challenges, I sought refuge in a shelter home for transgender individuals. In April 2022, I received a life-changing offer letter from a top Indian manufacturing company in Jamshedpur, marking a significant milestone in my journey towards stability and professional growth. However, in December 2022, I had to leave it due to family issues. Returning to the shelter home in Mumbai, I faced the challenge of job hunting, yet again. Despite encountering rejections due to my non-fluent English, I persevered, determined to enhance my language skills and continue my search for new opportunities. Over the past seven years, I have been dedicatedly volunteering with NGOs like Mitwa Samiti & Queergarh to spread awareness about LGBTQIA issues, particularly in the realm of mental health. My life has been tough, but I have accepted myself and fought with every adversity. I just hope for a world that accepts everyone and is a safe space for others like me. Persevering with pride, Anshika Singh, 30 Transwoman, Queer Safety And Security, Social Work A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

I am a full-time communication designer and a business owner. I always had an artsy side and loved expressing myself through art but it felt too personal to monetize it. I enjoyed curating jewellery, which was perfect for merging both these interests. So, in 2021, with a capsule collection of jewellery and candles, I turned my passion project into a business. From networking to close friendships with fellow queer business owners, I have found invaluable allies and made my queerness integral to my brand. Accessing a safe space through pop-ups at queer-owned markets has been nice. They ensure you’re accommodated and represented according to your needs, be it through infrastructure or pronoun name tags. Some companies who’ve previously collaborated with us also maintain long-term supportive relationships that go beyond just a marketing strategy. This journey has had its own challenges. I’ve encountered potential customers who questioned the purpose of a queer community market, and while I engage in educational conversations when possible, I have to prioritize my mental health, too. Apart from my business, I have a day job as well at a nonprofit organization. It’s an inclusive workspace with many queer folks employed. Previously, I worked in the same space and despite being a well known feminist organization, the values clearly didn’t reflect because they discriminated against me. But here, we get to express ourselves however we’d like to, there are no restrictions. From my end, I give this space to others too. For instance, I was assigned to design everyone’s business cards at the organization, I ensured that pronouns were present on each card. I’m grateful to have a remote job that helps me maintain a good work-life balance. I do my best to squeeze in everything that brings me joy, from planning shoots for my brand to reading and even going on dates. I thrive in the hustle and wouldn't have it any other way. Building impact through design and entrepreneurship, Jesmin Ahmed, 27 Cis woman, Pansexual Founder, Art & Design A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer

I work in one of Delhi's district courts. Despite us reading about queer liberation and decriminalisation of homosexuality while pursuing LL.B, there’s a lack of sensitization amongst the peers. In a place where queer identities are used as slurs, it was a difficult task but I chose to come out in my chamber. Some of my colleagues seemed to know about my queerness since it was evident from my social media and they have been wonderful allies. They supported me with some critical legal cases associated with queer people. For instance, my team helped me cancel a bail application of a person accused of sexually assaulting a queer person. Moreover, with their help I have taken a few more cases related to lavender marriage as well. I also served as a visiting faculty in a law college and even there, I have found allies in my students. We successfully organised a gender sensitization and LGBT rights event. There were some students who upon learning my sexual orientation tried to complain to the authorities because of my Instagram posts. The management didn’t entertain them and I have always stood my ground so neither did these students dare to cause trouble again. Thanks to this, many folks’ mindset ended up changing and they unlearned their bias and started respecting me. The real challenge is to make the courtrooms queer friendly. There is a lack of awareness and no readiness to learn about queer folks. There are extreme political beliefs here due to which queer folks’ issues are not entertained. I feel that one way to approach this is to arrange sensitization workshops where they’d be able to discuss their misconceptions openly and directly with the people of the community. I’m doing my bit by collaborating with an NGO and providing these spaces of conversations. I hope me being openly out and vocal helps more queer advocates speak up about our issues in the district. In the end, my goal is to instill inclusivity and empathy in the hearts of the younger generation and I’m gradually working towards it! Making courts and classrooms queer, Suraj Tomar, 29 Cis gender, Gay Advocate, Law A project by Godrej Properties Limited and Gaysi Family Share your story here > https://lnkd.in/dh2sHED2 #QueeringWorkspaces #GodrejPropertiesLimited #GaysiFamily #WorkplaceDiversity #WorkplaceInclusion #LGBTQIA #Queer