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Latest Edition Newsletter

The Equilibrio Gazette

A brief bulletin for building safe workspaces!

This weekly newsletter is your gateway to staying current on relevant
laws (like POSH, POCSO, Transgender Persons Act, etc.) and the
psychosocial intersections that impact the workplace.

30th May 2025 | Issue No. 83

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.

Pride Month is just around the corner! Stay tuned to this space for meaningful discussions and dialogues from voices within the LGBTQ+ community. We’ll dive into workplace representation and how to build safer, more inclusive spaces. Expect bold stories, fresh perspectives, and conversations that challenge, inspire, and spark real change.

In the Spotlight!

Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing that mental health matters. This year’s theme, community, highlights the importance of connection. True strength is seeking support, not struggling alone. Let’s break the stigma, support one another, and prioritize well-being—together.
Read more
Pope Leo XIV’s recent statement upholding only heterosexual unions undermines queer and trans families, reversing inclusive progress made by Pope Francis. Such rhetoric from global religious leaders can fuel discrimination, violence, and isolation, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive dialogue.
Read more
This incident highlights workplace responsibility in preventing sexual harassment, especially in atypical cases. It raises key questions about employer liability for contract workers, duties under the POSH Act, 2013, and appropriate responses to harassment in non-traditional or informal work settings.
Read more

Stay Current!

~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!

I - LEGAL UPDATES

The Supreme Court restored a POCSO conviction but declined to sentence the accused, noting the victim’s emotional bond and shared child with him. It reversed the Calcutta High Court’s regressive, victim-blaming remarks and emphasized rehabilitation, victim welfare, and empathetic justice, marking a shift toward a more compassionate legal approach
Read more
The Supreme Court upheld maternity leave for a woman with two children from a previous marriage, ruling that her first child from a second marriage qualifies for benefits. It emphasized reproductive rights under Article 21, aligning with international norms and humane interpretation of law, overriding restrictive state service rules.
Read more
The Supreme Court restored a POCSO conviction in a case involving a 14-year-old girl, rejecting the Calcutta High Court’s decriminalization stance on adolescent consent. Emphasizing victim rehabilitation and societal stigma, the Court advocated for comprehensive sexuality education and directed expert committees to guide policy reforms and support the victim.
Read more

II - Exploring Intersections

We explore how unconscious bias, rooted in patriarchal norms and gender stereotypes, perpetuates workplace sexual harassment despite protective laws like India’s POSH Act. This article highlights the normalization of sexist behavior, victim-blaming, and institutional bias, and urges organizations to adopt reflective practices, training, and inclusive policies to foster safer workplaces.
Read more
As we ready ourselves to celebrate Pride Month, let’s take stock of the socio-legal journey of the Indian LGBTQIA+ community thus far. Last year, the Supreme Court of India passed their verdict on the rights of queer and trans persons when it comes to marriage and adoption. Here is an in-depth article that breaks down the various legal aspects of the verdict, and what it means for the community.
Read more

Engage with us!

Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.

Did You Know that in India, about 4.87 lakh people identified as transgender in the 2011 Census—an unprecedented step in official recognition. Uttar Pradesh alone accounted for 28.18% of this population.
However, many queer and trans support groups point out this data is over a decade old, and the unofficial numbers are far greater than that. Activists also point out the barriers trans persons face while trying to avail trans ID cards, the lack of which disallows many trans folx from availing beneficiary government schemes.
These factors highlight the urgent need for inclusive policies that aid in accurate documentation and data collection. Inclusive policies in medico-legal and social aspects will also go a long way to combat discrimination, support identity rights, and improve the lives of the transgender community.

Have a burning question about POSH? Maybe Mental Health at Work, Child safety or DEI&B strategies? Drop us an email with your query and we would love to answer it, in all seriousness.

Curious Cat: What does “punching up” and “punching down” refer to in comedy, and why is the latter not inclusive towards marginalized communities?

Answer: “Punching up” and “punching down” are styles of setting up jokes within comedy routines. When “”punching up”” a comedian directs their jokes towards those who hold power or privilege in society. This style can lead to interesting satire of societal hierarchies, promote social awareness and start conversations around the gaps in our societal structures.

However, when “”punching down”” a comedian targets already marginalized communities and vulnerable persons. Punching down can reinforce existing stereotypes and perpetuate discrimination towards these communities.

Comedy informs mainstream culture; hence comedians should display accountability in their approach. Humour should uplift and include socially excluded groups rather than further isolate them.

To learn further about inclusion and start your journey as an ally, reach out to us at connect@equilibrioadvisory.org.

Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
Drop us a Hey, to get started!

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