LGBT-Quon?

 











In Hindi, Quon stands for “Why”? LGBTQ - That is the topic I am trying to ponder upon today.

  My philosophy teacher of few months, looked me through piercing eyes the other day and gave a warm smile. Then she said, "Guru - from our interactions, I believe you have a very high IQ and an equally high EQ.” While I wasn’t sure how to respond, she continued - “but how to use them judiciously is the key to your happiness. I understand you are self-obsessed, to improve yourself every day, but if you could expand to include others in your ‘self’ - then, your ME becomes more inclusive; gives a different perspective and can even take you towards divinity.” She paused for a moment and then continued - “Maybe not everyone has the privilege that you are gifted with. Think about how it can benefit others.”

  I was a little confused. "Me" expanding to become "We" - was a concept that I didn't want to think deeply about, atleast not now. I dashed to the Gurudwara near my place early morning. Whenever, I feel an air of superiority about myself or a bit confused, I go there to get that dose of humility. While I am a proud practicing Hindu, I have a new found respect for Sikhism. The religion teaches HUMILITY and HUMANITY and brings in a sense of SANITY. Deep in my heart, I strongly believe that these are the core values of any religion. After doing a little bit of service there, I had an idea. Maybe the analytical mind can run-down facts and figures, be its cynical self, do deep thinking about the world’s issues, human emotions etc while the emotional side can focus deep within me and see how I can relate to the worldly causes, with a compassionate empathy. Being a Scorpio-Sagittarius Cusper, I believe I can do this quite easily. Let me see if I can apply them in my future endeavours.

  Back to the topic. Some trivia. The word ‘gay’ was coined around 13th century, meant ‘being happy’. During 1940’s, it started being used as a code word for expressing same-sex desire. In 60’s, when it became popular during gay rights movement, LGB (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual) were added, as the word ‘gay’ was not inclusive enough. In 90’s, letters T and Q got added (T=Transsexual, Q=Questioning/Queer). Few more letters have made it to the list, whenever there seemed to be a ‘need’ of inclusion. The last that I heard, it had grown to LGBTQIA+. Please check the meaning for yourselves. Anyways, Mr Sundar Pitchai has a nice window made available to you all, to see the world.

  When I was invited to a leadership conclave on Diversity by my organisation, I cringed a bit. Not that the subject made me uncomfortable. But, the words like LGBTQ, Recyclability, Veganism, Mental Health etc are being used so frequently by everyone these days, including corporates, that my cynical mind begins to wonder if it is just a fad. Is it just a tick in the box or a sales gimmick or a cry for attention or one of those events to make you look ‘cool’? Or do we have a genuine sensitivity and concern about these causes? I have been associated with my organisation for more than 2 decades, only because my value system resonates with my organisation’s and that, in turn is aligned to the brand that is revered across the country and the world today. Hence, I was ready to bitch and moan, with my peers and leaders, if I see only signs of ‘sympathy’ and no ‘empathy’. Sympathy is an emotion I hate; Empathy comes with a sense of responsibility and result oriented action to address the problem at hand. I am a believer in making the place better by being in it, not taking an escapist route. The journey is not going to be easy, I agree, but it is so much more gratifying. Deep down within, I know, I am an optimist. Anyways, I came out happy from that conclave, after witnessing that these causes are taken not only seriously, we have put into motion time bound actions, which are in various stages of implementation - with a clear and measurable outcome.

I, as an Indian, strongly believe we don’t have to make much effort to practice Inclusion and Diversity. Being a proud Indian and equally proud practicing Hindu, I believe in the concept of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ - meaning, the universe is our family. With more than 100 languages being spoken, more than 700 tribes living, where diversity is reflected in religions, ethnicities, customs and social structures, its secular and pluralist approach, we are an epitome of Diversity. In fact, in the business circles, this diversity of India is considered to be a strategic asset and we seem to reap a rich “diversity dividend” in the years to come. In our culture, diversity is a given. We have embraced diversity so early on since about 15000 years, that there is a lot about inclusion that we can share with the world. Our Vedas, Puranas and scriptures like Ramayana, Mahabharata have transgender characters; there is a mention of a sex of of the third kind. There are stories of incarnation of deities in various sexual forms. Hindu sacred texts do not specifically use terms like heterosexual and homosexual, they do distinguish between procreative and non-procreative sexual acts. The Vedas refer to a "third sex," roughly defined as people for whom sex is not procreative. Members of the third sex are not ostracized; infact, are sometimes recognized for having divine powers or insights. The Kama Sutra, states that same-sex experience is "to be engaged in and enjoyed for its own sake as one of the arts”. Can you believe? "Sex as an art, procreative or not" - being acknowledged and accepted,thousands of years ago in the so called ‘orthodox’ Indian culture, while we are still trying to give voice and social acceptance to this cause since last 100 years in the ‘progressive’ Western Culture? If society is a reflection of people, then when did we all become so ‘regressive’, while our ancestors had no such qualms about sexuality.

  Hindu Religion is a mixture of Philosophy, Psychology, Numerology and Science. Hindu belief centres on a continuous process of birth and rebirth that ultimately releases the true self from the limitations of body and the ego – a freeing of the spirit called “moksha”. Given their inherent spiritual equality, Hinduism accept ALL individuals and forms of life as fellow sojourners on the path to moksha. Hence, it teaches us to ‘Celebrate Diversity’. We, as India rooted organisation, are to be proud of the fact that our culture is already inclusive and should ‘celebrate’ and share the same with others. With more than 95% of Hindus living in India, to most of us Indians, embracing diversity comes naturally. That is why you would see so many of Indians, living happily in the remotest part of the world, embracing a new society, not trying to be distinctive or crying for our identity, yet leaving a unique taste and flavour, like sugar and cardamom in milk :)

  In the conclave, I also got an opportunity to see the world from many others’ stories whom I hadn’t met before and through their experiences that I never went through. While ‘accepting change’ may be easy for me on a personal level, it may not be the same for everyone else. Issues like mental health, sexual orientation are not only personal, their perception in the family and society makes all the difference to the individuals who are going through the journey. After all, at the end of the day, I am a strong proponent of Life itself to be celebrated. It saddens me to see that some people find life so untenable because of the situation they are in, speaks of the profound nature of the issue. I understand that there is a need that we spread the culture of inclusiveness, make everyone feel accepted and respected for what they bring on to the table, being valued as a friend and a co-worker. While I don’t think that we have found a clear and final solution (maybe, this is a continuous evolutionary journey - "murmuration" of sorts?), I am pleased that we, as an organisation and I, as a change agent, will continue to make an ‘honest attempt’ and that is what matters. Ignite a small change, for a better world. After all, the WORLD is also a part of ME. Hence, it is not a favour, but an obligation.

  As always, Love to hear your comments and thoughts on the subject.