Our first-ever Lab event, 'Rainbow Reflections,' brought together LGBTQ+ leaders from around the world to share crucial insights, best practices, and strategies for fostering workplace inclusion across sectors. The event was held in collaboration with Pride Circle on 22nd November at Godrej One on the theme of ‘Authentic Leadership and Role Modelling Insights, Practices, and Strategies to Foster LGBTQ+ Inclusion’. The panel was joined by Nisaba Godrej, Executive Chairperson, Godrej Consumer Products Limited, and moderated by Parmesh Shahani, head of the Godrej DEI Lab. The speakers were Fabrice C Houdart, founder of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors; Dr MV Lee Badgett, professor at UMass Amherst; and Srini Ramaswamy, co-founder of Pride Circle.
Shahani delivered the keynote address, introducing the DEI Lab and emphasizing its role in fostering inclusivity throughout the Godrej Industries Group. Houdart advocated for the importance of storytelling in facilitating inclusion within traditional systems. Badgett presented eye-opening data on the costs associated with excluding LGBTQ+ populations from businesses and economies. According to her research, in India and other countries, an estimated 1% or more of GDP per capita is lost due to homophobia and transphobia.
Ramaswamy and Godrej underscored the significance of allyship in LGBTQ+ inclusion and emphasized the role of businesses in leading inclusion efforts. The panel discussed both the business case for inclusion and the moral case. Panellists analysed the contention between elimination of discrimination and fostering justice and equality as part of DEI initiatives on one hand, and the potential economic benefits on the other.
The event was attended by HR and DEI professionals, corporate leaders, management students, and individuals working in the LGBT inclusion space. We also premiered a short film made by Godrej L’Affaire, a collaboration between the Corporate Communications team and the agency O-Nine. The film starred trans actor Ganga, and a number of crew members behind the camera belong to the queer community. The film conveyed the message, “Aap rishte nibhao, riwaaz toh saath aa hi įaenge!” (Fulfill your relationships; traditions will evolve on their own), something that holds true for both homes and workplaces.
The post-event networking and mingling dazzled, thanks to the presence of independent Mumbai bookstore Trilogy Books, which curated an on-theme book stall for our attendees; and Trans Café, whose rainbow cupcakes were a big hit.