Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of being an active ally within Wipro’s LGBTQIA+ community. What began as an interest to support colleagues has evolved, shaping my professional identity and strengthening my commitment to Inclusion and Belonging.
Wipro’s commitment to Inclusion and Belonging is not a tick box exercise. It is a lived experience. From inclusive policies to employee resource groups (ERGs), the company has created a space where everyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can feel seen, heard, and valued. Being part of this employee experience has been both humbling and empowering for me.
My involvement started with attending a few Teams meetings before attending some ERG discovery sessions and the Pride March with Wipro and Capco, a Wipro-owned business, in 2023. At first, I was not sure if my small gestures made a difference. But over time, I realised that visibility matters. Every message, every reply, every “I stand with you” helps build a culture of acceptance and support. I was invited to write this blog, which I gratefully accepted.
One of the most powerful tools in this experience has been Microsoft Teams. It might sound simple, but the chats, group discussions, and informal check-ins have been a lifeline. Whether it is sharing resources or celebrating milestones, Teams has allowed us to stay connected even across geographies.
Participating in events, contributing to discussions, and supporting awareness campaigns has given me a front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs of Wipro's LGBTQIA+ community. I have learned about the importance of pronouns, the nuances of gender identity, and the real impact of allyship. I put together an LGBTQIA+ playbook, which our TA (Talent Acquisition) teams share with prospective candidates.
But allyship is not just about showing up when it is easy. It is about speaking up when things get tough. A moment that stands out for me is when I refereed a football match this season. I had no choice but to send a player off for making homophobic comments towards another player. The County Football Association banned him for seven matches.
I made it clear to the player that this type (or any type) of discrimination has no place on a football pitch. In that moment, I realised the true weight of allyship. It is about using my voice, my platform, and my position as a referee to create change.
Today, I continue to champion inclusion in every way I can. I am proud of the progress we have made, but I also know there is always more we can all do.
