Nobody likes to be left out

[former_member322100]

What makes me an LGBTQIA+ ally

 

There are some experiences that have the dual nature of not being unique to anybody but are still individualistic in essence. One such feeling and an awful one at that is the feeling of being left out. I may not have empirical evidence, but I feel this is something that every human being has felt in her or his life.

As I was preparing to pen my words here, I re-visited moments where I felt left out in life. Being picked last on a team, an absence of a movie invitation from my friends or the appreciation garnered by my parents towards my sister (this may be an envious sibling talking). Granted that these moments are not unique to me, but how I have been shaped by these experiences are personal to me.

There was a time when I felt constantly left out and then there was a time when I felt included in all activities. This sinusoidal nature of life enabled me to experience two ends of the spectrum. It allowed me to look at a situation from multiple angles and make a conscious effort to make everybody feel included.

My inspiration to become an Ally of the LGBTQIA+ group also stems from this experience. An individual spends a significant amount of time at her or his workplace. Thus, it is imperative that one gets to work in an environment that is conducive to everybody. To imagine someone being left out at the workplace for any reason at all is irksome. However, to learn that an individual’s personal life forms the underlying bias for someone to be left out is extremely disheartening.

Consciously or unconsciously we partake in moments that trouble people. Our inability to identify these situations and empathize has far-reaching consequences. We may not think twice before cracking a distasteful joke or making an insensitive remark, but such comments interfere with the wellbeing of the people around us. People’s productivity may go down,  they may wish to leave the organization, they may battle the demon of depression - all of this while feeling lonely.

My primary goal is to conduct myself in a manner that allows people to be themselves around me and work together harmoniously. Doing so allows me to contribute to the decorum of the workplace. Additionally, I wish to raise awareness and extend a sympathetic arm to those who might have had such an unpleasant experience. Just a simple answer to the question of “how would I feel if I face such discrimination?” drives me.

Keeping myself abreast with the news and engaging in conversations with people from all walks of life helps me be aware of the society I live in. This awareness makes me appreciate the efforts SAP is making through Diversity & Inclusion. It further motivates me to contribute to the wonderful culture at SAP in any capacity I can.

Please remember, nobody likes to be left out. So, after closing this window, make an extra effort towards one person whom you believe feels left out. If they do, you’ve definitely lit up their day, and if they don’t, you’ve made a new friend.

 

If anybody would like to reach out to me, please feel free to drop me a message here.