The Equilibrio Gazette
A brief buletin 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.
20th June 2025 | Issue No. 86
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.
Join us live on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM IST for a thought-provoking panel hosted by Inclusion at Work in celebration of Pride Month. Together, we’ll explore the Queer Gaze, how it challenges dominant narratives, redefines culture, and inspires more inclusive, representative workplaces, especially within the Indian context. Don’t miss this engaging conversation on shifting perspectives and creating spaces where everyone truly belongs.
“We are committed to supporting our clients and their Internal Committee (IC) members in fostering safe, inclusive workplaces. This month’s session will explore concepts of gender and sexuality beyond heterosexual norms, deepen understanding of consent, and discuss how expressions of affection can sometimes be misinterpreted or cross boundaries into harassment.
We will also focus on unlearning biases around who a Complainant or Respondent is “”expected”” to be, encouraging IC members to move beyond stereotypes. Additionally, the session will introduce the idea of unique life stressors faced by gender and sexual minorities, helping IC members build greater empathy and contextual awareness during inquiries.”
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
Our firm’s survey revealed that while most POSH cases are completed within 90 days, 38% extend beyond this timeline. However, the Delhi High Court clarified that delays don’t nullify inquiries, what matters is ensuring a fair, logical conclusion for all parties. Explore more in our POSH Survey Report.
Queer and trans individuals often face difficult childhoods filled with judgment and heartbreak. This Pride Month, pause to honor your inner child who built walls for protection. Celebrate your growth and resilience, your journey of self-acceptance is courageous, and simply existing is a powerful testament to strength.
SHe-Box is an innovative electronic portal designed to support and streamline the prevention of sexual harassment at workplaces. It offers tools for complaint registration, tracking, and awareness. To learn more about SHe-Box and stay updated on its latest developments, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) poses new legal and ethical challenges, as it involves no real children but causes harm through digital exploitation. While the POCSO Act protects against abuse, AI’s role in creating such content blurs lines between legality and morality, raising urgent concerns.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
The Kerala High Court ruled in favor of transgender parents Zahhad and Ziya, directing issuance of a gender-neutral birth certificate for their child listing them as “parents” instead of “mother” and “father.” The Court emphasized evolving legal interpretations to uphold dignity, equality, and non-discrimination under the Constitution.
The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to fully implement the Domestic Violence Act by appointing Protection Officers, empanelling service providers, ensuring shelter homes, providing legal aid, and spreading public awareness. The Court stressed these are statutory obligations and must be fulfilled within specific timeframes to protect women’s rights.
The Orissa High Court granted interim bail to a youth accused under POCSO, emphasizing that the law should not criminalize consensual adolescent relationships. It urged a contextual, humane approach over rigid legalism, warning against misuse of the Act to enforce outdated moral norms or familial control when no coercion or abuse exists.
II - Exploring Intersections
Supporting queer and trans employees’ mental health requires more than therapy access, it demands affirming spaces that acknowledge microaggressions, systemic discrimination, chosen family, and transition care. Workplaces must move from queer-friendly to queer-affirmative to truly help these communities thrive. Read more on our website.
Negging is emotional manipulation using backhanded compliments and subtle insults to undermine confidence and gain control, often leading to long-term harm like anxiety and depression. Recognize red flags like isolation and constant suspicion. Seek support, counseling, and plan an exit if needed. Read more on our website.
Engage with us!
Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.
Did you know that Cole Escola made history as the first non-binary performer to win the prestigious Tony Award (given for theatre performances at Broadway)? Escola, 38, won ‘Best Actor’ for their role in the play “Oh, Mary!”, which they wrote as well.
Non-binary performers often feel restricted and underrepresented in the binary categories of ‘male’ and ‘female’ in award ceremonies. So this is a historic moment of diversity and inlcusion. This milestone comes after Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee became the first two openly non-binary performers to win Tony Awards in 2023.
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: How can the queer community protect themselves in online spaces?
Answer: Recently, YouTube loosened its content moderation policies. This move comes after Meta and X, made similar amendments to their content policies as well.
This leaves marginalized communities, like queer and trans folx, more vulnerable to online abuse and hate speech. Here are some things the LGBTQIA+ community can do to protect themselves in online spaces:
Educate one’s self on the cyber laws in India;
Use pseudonyms or aliases to protect their privacy online;
Update the privacy settings on social media handles regularly;
Avoid sharing personal information like location or contact details online;
Report discriminatory or abusive language or behaviour on social media platforms;
Connect with inclusive communities and allies locally, that can provide support and resources;
Reach out to a mental health professional in case of distress caused by online harassment.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing online harassment and would like to avail mental health support, 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!
