The problems of LGBTQIA community around the world are more serious than what people think. A number of surveys and research in UK and USA, shows that 7 out of 10 LGBTQIA1 people are harassed, disdained, side-lined, mocked, denied of benefits, etc. at their workplace. The same in India goes way down. Though the Courts are trying their best to empower the community, society frowns upon such relations. Majority of the people from the community are not given opportunity to choose their career, this forces them to hide their sexuality. Non-recognition of the LGBTQIA is a common problem especially in India mainly because of the orthodox values which define an ideal relation. But the society is evolving and is now more receptive towards the 'live and let live' motto. But such evolution is still a distant future.
Education is the key, as is the desire to accept people for who they are, not who they love. Once that is achieved, the rest will follow. But for more immediate remedies we can ensure workplace security by establish a strong anti-discrimination policy, and let intolerable actions be clear to all at the workplace. The problem may arise when the senior officials deny respect to the LGBTQIA Employees, they refuse to file against discriminative behaviour. However, if a more encouraging or comfortable environment is provided to the community it will encourage them to take a stand against wrong.
- Support LGBTQIA in the Workplace.
- Take LGBTQIA Discrimination Seriously.
- Develop Support Programmes for LGBTQIA Employees.
- Create a comfortable work environment.
- Foster a Gender-Neutral Environment
We as individuals can work to create a friendly environment, which will motivate the rest of the LGBTQIA members to work stress free and the HRs to choose an employee based on their merit and not based on their sexuality.
1Survey finds 70% of LGBT people sexually harassed at work. (n.d.). The Guardian. Retrieved August 31, 2020, from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/17/survey-finds-70-of-lgbt-people-sexually-harassed-at-work
Samiksha Jadhav
B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) 2016-21
