Bridging the Gap: Millennial and Gen Z Perspectives on LGBTQ+ Work Culture in India
WICCI Public Relations & Digital Marketing Council
The force for gender equality and equal opportunity for women within the communications industry in India
As a millennial woman navigating the corporate world in India, I've witnessed firsthand the evolution of work culture, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Both Millennials and Gen Z bring unique perspectives to the table, and it's fascinating to see how these generations are shaping a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Millennials: Paving the Way
Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, were the first to challenge traditional work norms in India. We started the conversation about diversity and inclusion, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and pushing for policies that protect and support queer employees. Remember when Section 377 was decriminalised in 2018? It was a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ rights in India, and many millennials were at the forefront of celebrating this victory and pushing for more inclusive workplace policies.
Take, for example, companies like Tata Steel and Godrej. These are industry giants that have made significant strides in creating inclusive workspaces. Tata Steel has been offering health benefits to same-sex partners since 2018, while Godrej has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, conducting workshops and awareness programs.
Gen Z: Taking Inclusion Further
Enter Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012. They are digital natives, growing up in a more connected and globalized world. For Gen Z, inclusivity isn't just a policy; it's a fundamental expectation. They are more vocal and proactive about their beliefs, often using social media to amplify their voices and demand change.
In Indian startups, which are often driven by younger teams, there's a noticeable shift towards creating a genuinely inclusive culture. Companies like UrbanClap (now Urban Company) and Swiggy are not just talking about LGBTQ+ rights but are implementing tangible changes. Urban Company has inclusive hiring practices and Swiggy has introduced gender-neutral restrooms in their offices.
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“I personally think a company's inclusivity speaks volumes about their overall values and work culture. It's important to work in an environment where everyone is valued and accepted for who they are, regardless of their sexual orientation or identity,” says Anvita, an intern at a digital marketing firm in Mumbai.
The Blend of Two Worlds
While Millennials laid the groundwork, Gen Z is taking the torch and running with it. Together, we're creating a work culture that respects and celebrates diversity. It's not always a smooth journey, though. There are challenges, such as resistance from older generations and the slow pace of policy change. But the collaboration between Millennials and Gen Z is proving to be a powerful force.
“Queer people's presence in workspaces allows me to see ideas from an objective POV first. Because as a straight person, I'm too conditioned to see everything from a binary gender lens which can be very limiting,” says Kahkashan, a GenZ marketer based out of Mumbai.
Looking Ahead
The future looks promising as both generations continue to push for a more inclusive work culture. Millennials, with our experience and drive for change, combined with the fearless and innovative spirit of Gen Z, are creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.
It's a journey of learning and unlearning, of pushing boundaries and building bridges. And as we move forward, one thing is clear: the collaboration between Millennials and Gen Z is not just shaping the work culture in India; it's revolutionising it.