Did you know that according to a Global Study of Allies supporting LGBTQ+ rights, 72% were willing to join companies that are supportive of the growing community. At Amazon India, we are proud to be a supportive, inclusive workplace and culture that offers the LGBTQIA+ community a friendly environment, and lots of opportunities to grow. It’s all about diversity, inclusiveness, and equality. That’s because we truly believe that when we celebrate both what is common and what is different within a community, it makes us wiser, stronger, and eventually more successful as an organization.
From celebrating the rights of women to recognizing the talents of persons with disabilities to military veterans, we have always believed that true strength and empowerment comes from diversity and inclusivity. In time for Pride Month, we recognize the new initiatives taken to make our workplace LGBTQIA+ inclusive.
Giving love a voice with Glamazon
While Amazon.com started Glamazon - the LGBTQ+ affinity group - back in 2005 and went from strength to strength with its Pride March in 2007, India only saw progression in September 2018 when homosexuality finally and officially decriminalized and we said goodbye to Section 377. Since then, Amazon India's Glamazon affinity group is making it easier for employees to work in an environment that is inclusive.
With the third year of Glamazon, the Pride month celebrations have only become bigger. Apart from affinity group, there are support groups which arrange sensitization workshops as frequently as possible. Additionally, all managers are trained in inclusive leadership so that they may learn to recognize and mentor true talent, wherever it comes from.
Pratiksh, the Customer Service Team Manager and Founder of Glamazon, New Delhi Chapter says, “The journey with Glamazon has given me the confidence that I did not think I had in me. It has helped me grow as a person, help others through my experience and create a more inclusive & safe workspace.”
The #Proud Amazon tribe
Globally, Amazon received a perfect score of 100 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2019 Corporate Quality Index. We have 60+ Glamazon chapters across the world where the work for equality and inclusivity carries on. While that remains consistent, every day feels like day one making more and more people aware of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pride is a celebration of my identity and dignity. It assures me that I have a place in this world where I belong.
“Pride is a celebration of my identity and dignity. It assures me that I have a place in this world where I belong," says Anmol, the CS SDS Associate at Amazon.in. We also have tied up with various NGOs in India that work actively towards empowering transgender individuals. In fact, we look at hiring them quite frequently under various departments.
Amazon has a vibrant LGBTQ+ employee base and is committed to providing every employee a welcoming, inclusive culture - where they feel safe and empowered. We don't have dress codes or rules that dictate people. We are encouraged to express who we are!
Ganesh Chandran, a part of the Network Operations Centre team believes that Pride is more to do than just making people aware of gender equality. The right to exist without the fear of persecution is something that the community strives to reach. “Amazon has a vibrant LGBTQ+ employee base and is committed to providing every employee a welcoming, inclusive culture - where they feel safe and empowered. We don't have dress codes or rules that dictate people. We are encouraged to express who we are, and the people-centric policies here have helped many people be their authentic selves. The Diversity and Inclusion teams are working hard to create awareness and make Amazon a safe workplace for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. It is, of course, a work-in-progress but goes a long way in assuring the community that Amazon is indeed our ally!”
By embracing a diverse work culture, we’re not just trying to be another name that focuses on inclusivity. Our goal is to spread awareness, love, and welcome one and all to our affinity group. Glamazon has helped many employees share experiences, offer support and organize events through healthy discussions and forums.
At Amazon India, we truly do believe that inclusivity and diversity are not merely terms of acceptable behaviour or taking a politically correct stand. They are the key drivers to victory, growth, and sustained success.
