In This Episode we’re taking a closer look at the LGBTQ+ experience in the workplace. While there has been significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, many workplaces still struggle with inclusion and discrimination issues. We dive into these challenges and discuss actionable steps toward a more inclusive workplace. Meet Our Guest: Neelam Jain - a dynamic social entrepreneur and the founder of PeriFerry, India's first social enterprise dedicated to improving the socio-economic status of the transgender community and fostering workplace inclusion. shares her insights on - the importance of diversity imperatives for meaningful progress toward LGBTQ+ inclusion and how to make recruitment and hiring processes more inclusive of LGBTQ talent.

Timestamp: 

(00:55 ) Part 1: Introduction to guest and the platform

(03:08 ) Could you just share with us a bit about your journey with the LGBTQ+ community and what led you to become an advocate for inclusivity in the workplace? 

(06:08 ) Part 1: LGBTQ+ Awareness in Indian Workplaces

(06:19 ) Did you have advice or did you have friends who kind of helped you in this journey?

(09:39 ) Share with us some examples of initiatives of practices that organizations today are following or implementing to foster a more inclusive environment. You know, I'd love to hear how has PeriFerry helped these organizations think about such practices and, and, and what help have you provided to these institutions?

(12:39 ) Part 2: Pride in Hiring

(14:01 ) Do you help such organizations, walk them through the journey, train the talent acquisition specialists  and help them what to look for and guide them to this process?

(19:32 ) Have you come across  some people in organizations and how do you deal with them? How do you get them to start becoming inclusive,  make an attempt to include the other community into the larger ecosystem zone? 

(23:10 ) How did you name the organization Penny Ferry? Is there a story behind that? And what does it mean? 

(24:21 ) Part 3: Trans-Inclusive DEI 

(24:37 ) What advice would you give today's employees, both within the community as well as the allies,  how can they effectively contribute to creating more inclusive work workplaces?I mean, what is  the average employee?  On the floor. What is his or her  role as such?

(27:35 ) Part 4: Rapid fire round 

(27:43 ) What does a pride month mean to you personally?

(28:27 ) Any memorable pride moment that stands out to you that you would like to share with others?

(29:26 ) Who's your biggest inspiration?

(30:23 ) What message would you like to share with the LGBTQ+ youth today?

(30:50 ) Part 5: Closing thoughts 

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