LGBTQ Realities

Sapna and Diya were childhood buddies. They went to the same school, lived near each other, went to the beach on weekends and even climbed huge mango trees together. Growing up together was a lot of fun and they remember it for all the laughter they experienced together.

Life moved on and they eventually lost touch with each other, until recently, they serendipitously ended up meeting at a job fair and realised that both of them were indeed applying to the same organisation. While they were catching up:

Diya: You will make it. I’m sure you’ll get this job

Sapna: What makes you say that? You’re equally qualified and your grades are probably way better than mine. You were always the school topper and every teacher’s favourite!

Diya: Actually, when you start living life on your terms and when that does not conform to societal expectations, favourite is the last word people will associate you with!

Sapna: I don’t understand what you mean

Diya: I’m a lesbian Sapna. I accepted this about myself a few years ago. I now live with Anjali, my partner. But things are not easy when you are out of the closet and identify as LGBTQ. Organisations’ are mostly progressive on paper, but practical challenges are way too many. But I’m glad I’m out now!

Sapna: That’s some courage. Can I hug you? I’m sure it must have been a very difficult journey for you. How did mom and dad come around?

Diya: They have not really come around. They think things will change in a few years and that this is just a phase.

Sapna: A phase? That must be hard, especially when your own family doesn’t seem to understand what you really want.

Diya: ACCEPTANCE is hard. The world around is mostly binary and understanding that Gender is a spectrum itself is a new thought for many. And when they make it seem like something is wrong with you and try to bring in medical interventions to solve this “Problem” it actually has adverse effects on people’s mental health. I mean I myself was in depression for a whole year before I picked up the courage to come out.

Sapna: Maybe more education and awareness around this would help. Having people who have been there done that should talk about it more so we can normalise it right? With Section 377 being abolished, atleast we’re now able to talk about this without fear or taboo. That’s some start I would say.

Diya: Yes, but to live with that FEAR is very stressful. COMING OUT was stressful. My friends started looking at me as though I’m an alien. My parents felt cheated and defeated. My work environment got very hostile, with people suddenly questioning my skills after they found out about my gender orientation.  My sister was supportive. I must really thank her. She stood by me through this process.

Sapna: But being authentic is one of the skills all organisations want. And when we actually end up being authentic, then it becomes unacceptable. They even mock you!

Diya: Oh yes, all kinds of STEREOTYPES will flood your everyday. It will affect relationships and then they’ll end up calling you a non-performer. Basically they’ll find ways to set you up for failure.

Sapna: There are organisations now that are open, progressive and who are reaching out to support the community. Traditional organisations may take time to get there, but maybe you can look for an organisation that will accept you as you are.

Diya: You are absolutely right. My partner Anjali’s organisation is very supportive of LGBTQ hiring. In fact, they have ERG’s that support the community and their policies are also inclusive to LGBTQ and other minority groups. So yes, there is a lot of HOPE and I am smiling looking at the future. I hope I can be there for the community and help people have good careers and good lives.

Sapna: You are really inspiring Diya. I want to learn more about this and actively be an ally for Inclusion. That’s a promise I’m making to myself starting now.

Diya: I’m all smiles and so happy we could catch up like this. Take care and all the best with the interview.

Sapna: Yes and remember, we are competing for this job and you’re going to get it for your skills and what you have to offer – not for what your sexual orientation is 🙂

Diya: Cheers to that 🙂

 

Interweave is happy to introduce Colourfull, our partner for ‘Chasing the Rainbow’ series focused on LGBTQ inclusion. The speaker for this web workshop series is Dee Jas, Founder of Colourfull.

 

Register soon and block your dates for these web workshops. Available as one, two, and/or three parts – Understanding Gender, Starting Your Journey, and Unleashing Potential, this web workshop series is a complete guide towards LGBTQ inclusion in your workplace.

For more information on the webinar series and/or register, visit: Chasing The Rainbow

Written by Team Interweave with support from Dee Jas, Colourfull