Queeristan : LGBTQ Inclusion In The Indian Workplace

Queeristan: LGBTQ Inclusion at the Indian Workplace by Parmesh Shahani is a practical guide to creating more inclusive workplaces in India. Combining personal experience with business insights, the book examines how attitudes towards LGBTQ inclusion have evolved following the 2018 reading down of Section 377 and explains why diversity and inclusion matter for organisations, employees and society. It offers readers a thoughtful framework for understanding workplace inclusion through real-world examples, policy discussions and lived experiences.

Blending memoir, business writing and social commentary, the book draws on conversations with corporate leaders, inclusion advocates and employees to demonstrate how organisations can foster equitable work environments. It also places workplace inclusion within the broader context of LGBTQ history, culture and representation in India.

About This Book

Parmesh Shahani shares lessons from his own journey as an openly gay professional in the corporate world while presenting practical approaches to building inclusive workplace cultures. The book explores how organisations have responded to changing legal and social realities and highlights initiatives undertaken by companies that have embraced diversity.

Alongside workplace strategies, the narrative weaves together personal stories, discussions of history, literature, cinema, social movements and influential institutions connected with India's LGBTQ community. This broader perspective helps readers understand how inclusion extends beyond policy into everyday workplace culture and organisational values.

What You'll Discover

• Practical approaches to building LGBTQ-inclusive workplaces.
• Insights into workplace changes following the reading down of Section 377.
• Real-world examples from Indian businesses embracing diversity and inclusion.
• Personal experiences that illustrate the impact of inclusive work environments.
• Perspectives on LGBTQ history, culture, literature and social movements in India.
• The role of organisational culture in fostering equity and belonging.

Perfect For

• Business leaders and HR professionals.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion practitioners.
• Managers building inclusive workplace cultures.
• Students of business, management and social sciences.
• Readers interested in LGBTQ issues and contemporary India.

Why You'll Love This Book

Queeristan: LGBTQ Inclusion at the Indian Workplace brings together practical guidance, personal storytelling and thoughtful analysis to explore workplace inclusion in India. It offers valuable perspectives for readers seeking to understand how inclusive organisations can benefit employees, businesses and the wider community.