Whispers Empowered

"???? ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????? ???? ?????? ???????? ???? ????????????????????, ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?? ?????????? ???? ?????????????????? ?????? ???????????? ???? ?????? ?????????????????? ???? ????????????????." - ???????????? ??????????.

June, being Pride Month, and the conversations I've had with my HR fraternity who are equally passionate about DEI, have inspired me to pen this down to raise awareness. Trust me, it’s a journey of empathy and revelation for me too, to find the courage to talk about such a sensitive topic.

So, why should we talk about it now? Let me share my journey. During my assignment as a DEI Partner at one of my previous companies, I launched the Employee Resource Group for Pride+, supporting the LGBTQ+ community. While I always thought I am inclusive and considered myself an ally, I knew deep down that I hadn’t truly embraced the LGBTQ+ concept. I often wondered how I would react if any of my future generations were a third gender or belonged to the LGBTQ+ community. While I knew we would support them no matter what, I also felt it would be HURTING. This dilemma haunted me throughout the project because I felt I shouldn't advocate something if I wasn’t wholeheartedly convinced.

One day, while working on a campaign and browsing for suitable images, I came across the quote, "???????????? ?????????????????????? ???? ?? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ?????? ?????? ?????? — ????'?? ?????? ?? ????????????." It struck me like a bolt. Just like being male or female is not a choice, being any other gender is also not a choice but equally natural. The “HURT” is imagined in our minds because we are conditioned to think that what is not straight is not normal. That day, I made peace in my heart and decided to slowly work on my conditioned biases to be a true ally without prejudice. I know it won't happen overnight, but I want to lead this journey with empathy and conscious effort.

So, why should we talk about it now? From my own reflections, we hesitate to speak about these topics, so imagine the pain of those who are living to fit into norms that doesn't let them be their authentic selves. Did you know that being LGBTQ+ was long considered a ‘’Mental Disorder’’ and we are still fighting that stigma today? ?During my assignment, we had many conversations with the LGBTQ+ community about their expectations from society, what can be done to raise awareness, and the do’s and don’ts. The best approach is to be genuine in our conversations. So here I am, putting my feelings out there to raise awareness as I promised myself. I apologize if I unintentionally misrepresented something inappropriately.

“What is Pride Month?” – LGBTQ+ Pride Month, often shortened to Pride Month, is a month, typically June, dedicated to celebrating and commemorating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. Pride Month was inspired by the Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests, in 1969.

Let’s discuss why we should dedicate an entire month to this cause.? It’s the same as the hundreds of other debates about why we have special days like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Women’s Day. In today's hectic world, we often neglect important aspects of our lives unless we set aside specific times for them. Dedicating a month ensures we pause, reflect, and honor these vital issues. It's about making a conscious effort to connect, understand, and support each other in our shared humanity.

Here's another perspective. During discussions on this topic, some worry it's being wrongly glorified, which concerns parents. For instance, I've read about 12-year-olds wanting gender-changing surgery because they believe it's their orientation, influenced by school teachings. Can a 12-year-old truly understand such a life-altering decision and its consequences? Like everything in the world, there is good and bad, there is light and dark. It is up to us to choose what to advocate. Potential pitfalls shouldn't make us ignore the good and stay silent.

I would like to refer to a quote I came across from the website of a sustainability company: “As the world changes, it affects us all. And when we change, it affects the world.” Let’s embrace change, be conscious of being inclusive, lead with empathy, whether it’s about sustainability, embracing diversity, or giving back to the community. Change must start with each one of us. Let us be mindful in everything we do for the sake of our future generations and strive to leave the world a better place than we found it. Let’s remember – WE ARE HUMANS.