Young woman cricketer, 19, dies by suicide after selection heartbreak in Puducherry trials: ReportA 19-year-old cricketer died by suicide after attending selection trials for the Puducherry T20 women's cricket team. She wasn't named on the final list. Updated on: May 02
Punjab Police is learnt to have booked Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, who recently defected to the BJP, sources said on Saturday (May 2, 2026). Two FIRs have been lodged against Mr. Pathak under non-bailable sections, they said. No further details about the FIRs have been disclosed yet
Seems like ‘The Special One’ is firm on staying put. Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has shut down speculation linking him with a return to Real Madrid, insisting he has had “no contact" with the Spanish giants. Reports had suggested that club president Florentino Perez views Mourinho as a leading
The wellness tourism industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. India’s wellness offerings too have developed beyond fitness studios, luxury retreats and self-care programmes. Now, we are seeing a growth of spiritual travel as a new trend
There’s been plenty of noise around Formula 1 potentially returning to India. Timelines like 2027 have been floated, though they feel optimistic at best. Still, the conversation refuses to die. Jenson Button is firmly in favour of seeing F1 back in India
With Pride Month coming to an end, here's how to sustain the support throughout the year so that queer communities continue to feel seen and valued. Pride Month is celebrated in June. This month is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating their history, advocating for equality across various spaces, and spotlighting the many voices and issues that shape queer experiences. During this month, inclusion becomes a hot topic as brands and companies often loudly spearhead conversations of support, demonstrating allyship with rainbow campaigns and flags. But this inclusion is not just some once-in-a-year project. To create safe spaces for queer communities, the acceptance and support should extend throughout the year. Without genuine support that is not tethered to a month, all the talks of inclusivity during June are performative, rainbow washing at best.
Pride Month is celebrated in June. This month is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community, celebrating their history, advocating for equality across various spaces, and spotlighting the many voices and issues that shape queer experiences. During this month, inclusion becomes a hot topic as brands and companies often loudly spearhead conversations of support, demonstrating allyship with rainbow campaigns and flags. But this inclusion is not just some once-in-a-year project. To create safe spaces for queer communities, the acceptance and support should extend throughout the year. Without genuine support that is not tethered to a month, all the talks of inclusivity during June are performative, rainbow washing at best.
This is especially applicable in workplaces, as work takes up the lion's share of a person's daily life, making these spaces fundamental to one's wellbeing. If a queer person feels like they cannot be their true selves, it may take a significant toll on their mental wellness.
HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to understand how a queer person's mental wellness is affected when they don't feel supported at the workplace, along with practical strategies to create more inclusive and affirming spaces at work.
Work is already all-consuming, demanding concentration and persistence to chase back-to-back deadlines. Add to that the burden of suppressing one's queer identity in a non-inclusive workspace, damaging mental wellbeing.
Dr Arti Anand, Senior Consultant Psychologist, Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, shared how any overt or covert form of discrimination may affect their mental wellbeing.
Explaining how mental wellbeing takes a hit, she said, “Pride Month serves as a reminder that inclusivity is not just a social value, it's a workplace necessity. Queer employees often face subtle or overt forms of exclusion, discrimination, or erasure in professional environments. When queer employees feel excluded or unsafe, it directly affects their mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and low self-worth.”
Moreover, the consequences aren't just personal for job satisfaction; they also affect the company, as employee productivity begins to decline. Demonstrating how companies suffer when inclusion is missing, she added, “The emotional burden can cause a significant drop in motivation, creativity, confidence, and overall performance. Inclusion is not merely about representation; it's about dignity, equity, and belonging. When queer individuals feel valued and visible, it leads to higher engagement, job satisfaction, and retention. It also signals to clients, partners, and future hires that the organisation upholds human rights and integrity.”
Often, with so much showbiz on the surface, employees' feelings and identities are reduced to symbols, leveraged more for the company's diversity optics than for genuine inclusion.
Dr Arti said, “One of the more subtle but harmful outcomes of performative inclusion is tokenism, where queer employees are hired or highlighted only to tick the ‘diversity' box, not because their skills, talents, and potential are genuinely valued. This creates a dangerous internal dialogue- ‘Am I here because I deserve it, or because they needed an LGBTQ+ face on the team?' This experience can lead to impostor syndrome, where the individual constantly doubts their own worth and feels like a ‘fraud.' The feeling is intensified when they're singled out to represent the entire queer community without adequate support or when they're excluded from decision making roles despite being publicly celebrated. Tokenism also creates pressure to conform or overperform, just to prove that they belong, sometimes resulting in burnout.”
Companies may be at their loudest in June, be the best cheerleaders for queer community, but in reality, what they do for the remaining eleven months actually defines their true commitment to this inclusion they preach about in June.
Shruti Swaroop, Founder of Embrace Consulting and Co-Founder of International Inclusion Alliance, shared with HT Lifestyle the subtle yet harmful practices that can damage inclusivity.
Shruti said, “Many of these harmful practices are subtle but deeply damaging. There are many examples. For instance, the absence of a clear and inclusive policy leaves the community exposed and undervalued. The Human Rights Campaign (2022) reports that 46% of LGBTQIA+ employees continue to be closeted while at work. Performative allyship, pride-themed celebrations without a long-term commitment, result in mistrust. Moreover, microaggressions and misgendering compel the LGBTQIA+ community to have to ‘cover' their authentic selves in order to exist. Similarly, restricted access to mentorship and leadership excludes the community's voices from decision-making and prevents professional growth.”
Here are five broad strategies, as shared by Shruti, to help make the workplace a safer and more inclusive space for employees:
ALSO READ: Happy Pride Month: Top 8 inclusive destinations for queer travellers to visit in 2025
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Pride Month starts this weekend Carlos Alcaraz beams with pride as he lifts trophy for year-end No Pride, passion & heartbreak - but Newcastle need end to Isak saga Why Can't A Good Salary Sustain A Family In Chennai How long can Bangladesh’s indigenous Khasis sustain their forest-based ways of life India Can Sustain 8–10% Growth Gold, Silver To Sustain Rally In 2026 Amid Headwinds Cloudy skies can’t dim joy as thousands fill nation's capital for World Pride parade Racing Louisville downs the Pride 2-0 and the Current edges Angel City 1-0 in the NWSL Gay rights in focus as Seattle's World Cup Pride Match hosts anti-gay teams
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the final redemption price for the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) 2018–19 Series I, which was issued on May 4, 2018. The bond is set to mature on Monday, May 4, 2026. The redemption price for the SGB maturing on May 4, 2026, has been set at Rs 14
8 hours ago
94-year-old Singeetham Srinivasa Rao shocks internet with Sing Geetham teaser; fans say ‘better than Gen Z’13 years after his last film, 94-year-old filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao is returning to cinema with Sing Geetham. Know all about it. May 2, 2026
8 hours ago
The noise was getting louder around the Los Angeles Lakers. Blow a 3-0 lead? Against a depleted Houston Rockets side missing Kevin Durant? It felt unthinkable, until it didn’t. And then LeBron James stepped in and reminded everyone how these stories usually end
8 hours ago
“You have to embrace getting older. Life is precious, and when you've lost a lot of people, you realize each day is a gift.” — Meryl Streep LiveMint's quote of the day by Meryl Streep carries a profound weight that feels uniquely necessary today.“You have to embrace getting older
8 hours ago
Kolkata: On recently, in late February, India’s forex reserves reached an all-time high of $728.49 billion. According to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday, India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $4.82 billion to $698.49 billion in the week ending April 24
8 hours ago
This article was originally published in Rest of World, which covers technology’s impact outside the West. The pandemic’s biggest bet on online learning has gone bust. Global edtech investment peaked at $16.7 billion in 2021, fueled by lockdowns that kept millions of children out of classrooms
8 hours ago
Germany faces a potential 15 billion euro output loss due to US President Donald Trump's planned tariff increase on European cars and trucks. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy warns of substantial economic impact. This move highlights Germany's automotive sector's vulnerability to US trade
8 hours ago
“This haveli is at least a hundred years old, so are the frescos in your room,” the bellman tells me proudly as he opens the low-hung wooden door that requires you to bow to enter. After five hours on the road from Delhi, I am eager to rest before heading out to explore Churu
8 hours ago
Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi’s film Ek Din was theatrically released on May 1. The romantic drama clashed with Riteish Deshmukh’s historical drama Raja Shivaji at the box office. Ek Din Box Office Collection: Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi’s romantic drama opened to mixed reviews upon its
8 hours ago
ISRO held technical discussions with Russia's Roscosmos in Moscow for semi-cryogenic engines, crucial for India's heavy-lift launch vehicles. A draft contract is under approval, potentially accelerating ISRO's indigenous engine development. This collaboration aligns with ISRO's broader
8 hours ago
The West Bengal Police has imposed prohibitory orders for 60 days, starting Sunday, in parts of Kolkata’s central business district, PTI reported on Saturday. Citing an official order from Friday, the news agency reported that the action was taken after the police received inputs about possible
8 hours ago
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted four key parliamentary committees for the 2026-27 financial year. Notable reappointments include Faggan Singh Kulaste as Chairperson of the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
8 hours ago
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (May 1, 2026) he was “not satisfied” with Iran's latest proposal in negotiations to end war between the countries, rejecting the plan almost as soon as it was delivered. “They want to make a deal, I'm not satisfied with it, so we'll see what happen
8 hours ago
Tanur boat accident: Justice V K Mohanan Commission submits final report with safety recommendationsTanur boat accident: Justice V K Mohanan Commission submits final report with safety recommendations Published on: May 02, 2026 2:26 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kochi
8 hours ago
People living in a housing society in Noida were left upset after facing a water shortage for two straight days. A resident shared his experience online and questioned why basic facilities were missing despite residents paying maintenance charges regularly
8 hours ago
Actor-turned-politician Vijay enjoys a massive fan following and there is no doubt about it. He is currently on a spiritual tour, seeking blessings for his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections results, scheduled to be announced on May 4
8 hours ago
'Trump is an idiot': Californians fume over soaring petrol pricesThe war launched by Donald Trump is unpopular all over the US, with polls showing a clear majority disapprove of a conflict whose aims they think are unclear. Updated on: May 02
8 hours ago
The Trinamool Congress has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission. Allegations involve the unauthorized sorting of postal ballot covers at an EVM strongroom in Kolkata. TMC workers claim trunks of ballots were moved to an unmonitored room. Similar incidents occurred in North 24 Parganas
8 hours ago
‘What just happened?’: Internet reacts as emergency alert system test sends loud beep to mobile usersInternet reacted after mobile users received a loud government test alert on their phones on Saturday morning. Published on: May 02, 2026 1:06 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link
8 hours ago
Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced the launch of India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) barrier-less tolling system at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat-Bharuch section of the Delhi-Mumbai NH-48 in Gujarat
8 hours ago
This year’s JEE Main results saw 12 students score a perfect 100 percentile, including Rajasthan’s Arnav Gautam. Remarkably, Arnav achieved this in his very first attempt, scoring 295 out of 300 in the January session. Despite his parents coming from a humanities background
8 hours ago
Spirit Airlines, an impish upstart that shook the industry with its irreverent ads and deep discount fares, announced on Saturday (May 2, 2026) that it has gone out of business after 34 years. The airlines said it had begun orderly wind-down of operations. It added all flights have been cancelled
8 hours ago
Yash will soon be seen essaying the role of Ravan in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, scheduled to hit theatres on Diwali this year. While everyone is excited about the upcoming movie, the pan-India star has now opened up about why he agreed to be a part of the project
8 hours ago
Offered by the University of Gloucestershire, the U.K. university / universities and colleges / students / careers / higher education / The Hindu Education PlusSports Global Excellence ScholarshipOffered by the University of Gloucestershire, the U.K.Published - May 02
8 hours ago
Five members of a Tamil family among nine killed in Bargi Dam boat tragedyA senior government official in Tiruppur said arrangements were being made to transport the bodies back to Tamil Nadu. Published on: May 02, 2026 2:33 PM IST By S Vijay Karthik Share via Copy link Five of the nine people
8 hours ago
Chettinad is undergoing a revival. Its mansions are paying the price. As travellers, architects and designers discover the region’s unique aesthetic via festivals and curated holidays, luxury homes and hotels across the country are increasingly being outfitted with Burmese teak doors
8 hours ago
Thousands of fans were left disappointed as actor and TVK leader Vijay cancelled his scheduled visit to Velankanni Church on Saturday. The actor had planned to visit the famous Christian pilgrimage centre early Saturday morning. Sources from TVK stated that the cancellation was due to personal
8 hours ago
