Pearl Daruwalla (he/him/she/her), manager — Diversity & Inclusion at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality, lets t2 into her world and shares her journey, this Pride Month.
Pearl, let's start with your story. What has the journey been like so far?
I have been working in the events and hospitality industry since 2012, starting with Blue Frog Mumbai as an artiste manager. Since then, I have forayed into multiple sectors but primarily stayed focused on growing awareness about the LGBTQIA+ communities across different sectors through my work. As the advocacy manager at Humsafar Trust, prior to Impresario, I was working with corporate organisations and government bodies on sensitisation programmes to improve representation within their cultures.My professional journey has been in sync with my personality and my identity, working in areas and communities where I can create positive impact, and give back to the LGBTQIA+ community. I am thankful to have the support of my parents, friends and professional peers who have supported me in this journey, which has not been easy.
It's unfortunately still a taboo topic for many, but we have definitely come a long way. What has the progress been like?
Despite the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 2018, there remains a significant dearth of safe places where Indians, especially minorities, feel comfortable in their own skin, be it educational spaces, workplace as well as social spaces. This lack of inclusive spaces perpetuates feelings of insecurity and marginalisation, hindering the overall well-being and progress of our society.We collaborate with grassroots organisations to facilitate workshops and events that push the envelope in breaking the taboos, whether that’s through Satrangi Mela (an LGBTQIA+ national fair that happens across India and throughout the year featuring pop-ups and acts by individuals from the community) and by ensuring equitable representation at other forums that we have, such as Culture Chutney and Super Deluxe.By actively and consistently engaging with the community, our goal is to understand their unique needs and preferences, ensuring that these spaces are truly inclusive and responsive to their requirements. This collaboration extends and will continue to create an impact through events, workshops, and discussions that promote awareness and education about LGBTQIA+ issues.
Going forward, what should the narrative be?
In India, the need for more LGBTQIA+-friendly hubs is paramount to creating a society that embraces diversity and fosters inclusivity. To bridge this gap, brands and businesses have a crucial role to play. Brands need to prioritise LGBTQIA+ inclusion in their internal policies and practices, it starts from there. This involves promoting diversity within their workforce and adopting anti-discrimination policies that protect employees and customers. Moreover, brands can collaborate with LGBTQIA+ organisations and activists to co-create safe social spaces.
Empathy and acceptance are a huge part of the narrative. What would you like to tell our readers?
I sincerely hope that we, as a society, intently listen to the stories and experiences of individuals across the spectrum. This active listening and learning can foster empathy and contribute to building bridges of understanding. Having said this, I would also like to remind everyone that this emotion is not limited to Pride Month alone. Let us strive to make empathy and acceptance a part of our daily lives, hoping to create an inclusive society for future generations.
Who have been your biggest cheerleaders?
Contrary to popular belief, my parents have been the biggest supporters of my discovering my identity. I remember the many messages pouring in from family, friends, well-wishers and even my neighbours when I came out. And their response was only positive. I also understand that it would not have been easy for them to immediately accept who I am, but they were patient and they have been great listeners.More so, I have found true allies at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. Back in 2021 when we started Satrangi Mela, it was basically just me and two other allies. Today, Satrangi Mela would not be possible without the support of this organisation and the community, LGBTQIA+ and beyond, who walk in from different parts of the country to make Satrangi Mela a resounding success.
What has this journey taught you?
My biggest learning through this journey has been ‘empathy’. I understand the need to be empathetic when educating individuals about gender and sexuality, without being arrogant about it. Arrogance comes due to ignorance, and the only path to shattering an individual’s pre-conditioned beliefs is through love.
How much of your personal experience has shaped what you do at SOCIAL ('cafe, collaborative workspace, bar')?
Growing up, I had never seen inclusive spaces, in fact, even the thought of it was never something I had envisioned. I remember I was often stared at in the ladies' compartment while travelling in public transport or sneakily laughed at and pointed at by the group sitting at the next table at a restaurant. When I joined Impresario, my primary focus was to ensure that no one, whether queer or not, should feel uncomfortable or ridiculed just because others don’t understand them. Our staff is trained regularly on not only understanding the LGBTQIA+ community but we also try to break gender stereotypes with them on an everyday basis.
What have been the various initiatives like?
Satrangi Mela was conceived to create a safe and joyous space for the LGBTQIA+ community to express themselves freely and celebrate their diverse identities. It was an opportunity to highlight the rich talent and creativity of queer artists, performers, and entrepreneurs while enabling commerce inside the SOCIAL setting.Beyond Satrangi Mela, we continue to represent artistes and businesses from the community across SOCIAL’s event IPs such as Super Deluxe, Culture Chutney and others.... We also have ‘queer rated’, which is India’s first all-queer stand-up comedy lineup.
What is your message for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community?
I write this message as a fellow member of the community, an Indian gender non-conforming asexual lesbian, and a working professional who has spent over a decade in the industry. As someone who has embraced their identity, finding strength and confidence comes from being true to yourself.I want to start by reminding you of the power of being authentic. Embracing who you are is a courageous act that allows you to live a life that aligns with your true self. As members of the LGBTQIA+ community, we have faced countless hurdles, discrimination, and adversity. But remember, we are not just defined by these struggles. Instead, they serve as reminders of our resilience and determination. We have come a long way, fighting for our rights, visibility, and acceptance. Let us celebrate the progress we have made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead.
In our professional lives, it is crucial to find spaces where our identities are not just tolerated but embraced. As a thought leader, I encourage you to step into positions of influence and leadership within your industry. By doing so, we can advocate for change, challenge biases, and push for policies that promote inclusivity. Most importantly, don’t ever think you are just a number or diversity quota for some. No one, and I literally mean no one, is doing you any favour by hiring you. Your needs should be as important to the organisation as anyone else’s.Finally, know that you are not alone. The LGBTQIA+ community is a vibrant and diverse tapestry of individuals, each with their own stories and struggles. Reach out, connect, and build a network of support. Together, we can create a sense of belonging, find common ground, and empower one another.