While D&I has been a hot topic of discussion among corporate houses globally for a couple of decades now, in India in the past few years many corporates have come to the fore to discuss Diversity & Inclusion strategies and formulating policies that offer an equitable status to the LGBTQ+ community at their workplace. There is immense value in this for both the corporates and their employees. But what have been the roadblocks, and how have the corporate houses navigated this. We speak to HR/D&I heads of some of the corporate houses who are frontline leaders in D&I to understand their companies journeys in leading the change.

Supported by Morgan Stanley

Speakers: Avril Fernandes, Morgan Stanley; Minal Vaidya, general Mills; Archana Chopara, Disney Star

Moderator: Zainab Patel

Is your workplace truly inclusive and safe for LGBTQIA+ individuals? Imagine feeling secure, comfortable, and free to be your authentic self without judgment. How can organizations demonstrate diversity acceptance to attract queer employees? Workplace safety includes a sense of belonging and mental well-being. Review policies for inclusivity regarding self-expression, dress codes, professional norms, and psychological safety. Establish secure channels for reporting grievances and feedback. The workplace can be a safe space for self-exploration and understanding. Prioritizing inclusivity makes organizations preferred employers, attracting those who truly belong. Join the round table with KelpHR to share your thoughts.

Supported by KelpHR

Speakers: Parmesh Shahani, Maya Urmi Aher, Anupama Easwaran, K Vaishali

Moderator: Smita Kapoor

In 2007 Nepal repealed the laws against gay sex and introduced several laws which explicitly protected sexual orientation. In 2018 India read down Sec 377 thereby decriminalizing same-sex relationships. In 2022 Singapore read down Sec 377A thereby legalizing same-sex sexual activity. A district court of appeal in Lebanon issued a groundbreaking ruling on July 12, 2018, that consensual sex between people of the same sex is not unlawful, thereby reading down Article 534.  KASHISH 2023 brings together activists and filmmakers from Nepal, Singapore, Lebanon and India to talk about legal, economic and social rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in their individual countries.

Supported by Consulate General of Canada

Speakers: Sunil Babu Pant, Miguel Jelelaty Obeid, Opera Tang, Avni, Muskaan

Moderator: Shruta Amit Rawat

The panel discussion ‘The Language of Respect’ will explore the impact of content and its portrayal on shaping identities, influencing pop culture, and impact on the LGBTQIA+ communities. Key topics include the power and misuse of words, consequences of inappropriate and objectifying character portrayals, and their real-life repercussions. This dialogue aims to foster responsible content creation in the media industry by stressing the need for appropriate and respectful language usage, accurate representations, and respectful portrayals of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Supported by Disney Star

Speakers:  Onir, Shobhna S. Kumar, Nandini, Minakshi Achan

Moderator: Jitin Hingorani

In its continued efforts to spotlight work of emerging filmmakers, KASHISH brings together emerging filmmakers whose films are being screened at KASHISH. The conversation will highlight the trials and tribulations, as well as the intense passion and joy of these filmmakers, who have gone against the grain to make these amazing LGBTQ+ themed films.

Supported by Walkers & Co

Speakers: Arvind Caulagi, Kamya Nair, Naresh Parajpat, Pratap Harode, Preeti Kanungo, Sundeep Morrison, Vasundhara Jadhav

Moderator: Sridhar Rangayan