Workplace gender equality, something that doesn’t discriminate against members of LGBT community is not just cool, but is good for business. This was the subtle message on Friday as Hyderabad played host to a discussion on inclusive work spaces in the honour of Pride Month.
The US Consulate General, Hyderabad and the Indian School of Business teamed up to host a panel discussion on ‘Inclusive workspace: Employing the LGBTI’ at the ISB.
“The Human Rights Corporation’s equality index shows that there are about 407 best companies where there is no discrimination against members of LGBT community in the US and there are 70 companies with similar credentials in India. An inclusive workforce enriches a company’s morale and we are thrilled to see so many corporations embracing inclusivity as a core value,” said Michael Mullins, US Consul General, setting the tone for the debate.
Mr. Mullins then read out a passage from the company hiring policy of Deloitte India showing how it accepts sexual orientation without linking it to anything else.
“We are in the business of making technology accessible for everyone. And we have always been an inclusive workspace,” said Arijit Sarkar of Google, speaking about the hiring policies of the tech major.
The audience included members from the LGBT community, some of whom said they were stopped at the entrance of the facility as their gender on the government-issued ID card differed from the way they were dressed.
“We are yet to begin deconstruction of gender. We are still seeing it as a binary. We have a long way to go. Non-availability of gender neutral restrooms is sexual discrimination,” said Vyajayanti Vasanta Mogli, a human rights activist, who works with the Telangana Hijra and Transgender Samiti.
Among the concerns expressed was the nature of unconscious bias.
“We are yet to become sensitive to many aspects of acceptance of LGBT community,” said Kiranmai Dutt of AMD, who moderated the session.