Indian Queer Community, Their Struggles in Workplaces and How They Cope With It

Abstract

This qualitative research explores the pervasive workplace discrimination faced by Indian queer individuals and the coping mechanisms they employ within deeply heteronormative organizational contexts. Despite the 2018 decriminalization of homosexuality in India, persistent subtle and overt discrimination continues to marginalize LGBTQ employees, adversely impacting their mental health and professional engagement (Maji et al., 2023; Morin, 2024). Using semi-structured interviews with four participants from academia, corporate, and healthcare sectors, thematic analysis reveals key themes including the concealment of sexual and gender identities, employment of a gender-binary filter as a coping strategy, non-affirming workplace climates, and the resulting emotional and psychological burdens such as LGBTQ Battle Fatigue (Singh & Sharma, 2024; Morin, 2024; Maji et al., 2023). Participants showcased resilience through social support, positive self-affirmation, and strategic disclosure, illuminating adaptive pathways to sustain well-being amidst hostile environments (Riggle et al., 2011; Rodrigues & Kumar, 2022). The findings highlight a gap between progressive legal frameworks and entrenched organizational apathy, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive, culturally competent inclusion policies, allyship training, and mental health services tailored to the Indian context.