From unreported data of closeted queer employees to limited DE&I policies hindering growth opportunities, a significant gap in career advancement persists. As we are in the midst of Pride Month, Manifest confronted this issue, acknowledging that while gender diversity is an often-talked-about challenge, LGBTQ+ representation in senior roles remains sparse in ad agencies.

In India, there's no specific law mandating DE&I programs. However, existing legislation recognises the importance of fairness and inclusivity in hiring and employee treatment, highlighting the need for equity and inclusion in workplaces. 

Careernet Prism’s report revealed that only 15-20% of employees are sensitised to LGBTQ+ issues, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding.

There is also the issue of closeted queers and the need for a safe working environment. According to Deloitte, less than 60% of Indian employees disclose their sexual orientation at work, with only 54% comfortable revealing their gender identity to close colleagues and merely 37% comfortable doing so with direct managers.

But why is it important for queer representation in the ad executive boardroom? In the dynamic realm of advertising, where ideas flourish and campaigns soar, the absence of LGBTQ+ voices in leadership isn't just a numerical gap but a loss of authentic perspectives. 

To know what Arantxa Aquino, Talented; Freya D’souza, Dentsu APAC; Monty Bharali, Ogilvy India and Vanaja Pillai, DDB Mudra Group and Chandni Shah, FCB Kinnect, had to say about this pressing issue, check out our June issue. 

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