A workspace, one’s gender choice, or orientation should not be the basis of judgment or bias. Instead, a space should be provided where individuals are celebrated solely based on their talent and skills. Bombay Times is asking as same with its new campaign “Out and Proud@work.
The ‘Out & Proud @Work’ campaign, launched in collaboration with Pride Circle and FCB India by Bombay Times, sheds light on the often-neglected topic of the LGBTQ+ community’s economic independence. The campaign aims to address the discrimination faced by this community, both in the workplace and society, which hinders their professional growth, recognition, and social status, resulting in being undervalued, underappreciated, and marginalized, according to a statement by the company.
The film, conceptualized by FCB India, is set in a company town hall and features Akshay Verma, the co-founder of Fitpass, sharing how discrimination affects workplaces. Verma shares a story of how a transgender candidate’s profile was not passed on by their recruiting agency, despite having the same educational background as him. The film concludes by bringing attention to the fact that approximately 87% of LGBTQ+ employees still feel unaccepted in the workplace.
The campaign ‘Out and Proud @Work’ by Bombay Times will present motivating narratives to bring attention to the workplace discrimination encountered by the LGBTQ+ community and emphasize the significance of a just and inclusive work environment.
Neeti Chopra, brand director, Times Metro Supplements and The Economic Times, said, “As many working professionals chart their careers, those in the LGBTQ+ community are lost in the shadows simply because of their gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation. With the launch of ‘Bombay Times Out & Proud @Work,’ we hope to rally the ecosystem and all its stakeholders to be more inclusive and welcoming of this community. Bringing important issues to the fore and diverse perspectives to address this is a tangible way of driving change. We have seen time and again that our readers are enthused by such initiatives and come out strongly to support them.’’
Swati Bhattacharya, creative chairperson, FCB India, said, “There’s no form of violence more subversive than financial violence. And there’s an unbearably high incidence of it on the LGBTQ+ community in India. When we deny someone a livelihood, we deny them a life – and that’s what this bias at work across India’s workplaces is doing to thousands every day. The Bombay Times Out & Proud @Work campaign isn’t just a call for conversations, it’s a call to action – which is why we’re not starting this campaign at the beginning of Pride Month, but at the beginning of the financial year.”
Srini Ramaswamy, co-founder, Pride Circle, said “24 years on from the first pride march in India, and over four years of decriminalising Section 377 of IPC, the efforts of LGBT+ equity & inclusion are far from over. Even today the members of the community persistently face discrimination, harassment, bullying, microaggressions, and even rejection from jobs despite having the necessary skills and education. One way to help address these is by embracing authentic allyship, both as individuals and as organisations. Pride Circle plays that role and advocates and creates an environment for people to be their true authentic selves. We believe in empowering the LGBTQ+ community through skilling, employability, and entrepreneurship programs while enabling organisations to foster a culture of belonging.”
It is crucial to create a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community in both the workplace and society. Discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation not only harms individuals but also impacts their potential to contribute to society. It is time for us to break down stereotypes and prejudices and embrace diversity in all its forms. By respecting and celebrating the differences that make us unique, we can build a more equitable and just world for everyone.
