27th June 2025 | Issue No. 87

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.

27th June 2025 | Issue No. 87

In the Spotlight!

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

Our Live Panel Discussion titled “What is the Queer Gaze, and why is it the need of the hour?” has received incredible feedback. Our wonderful speakers brought invaluable insights into the conversation, emphasizing that the queer gaze is about questioning conventional frameworks and celebrating diverse narratives. Here’s a fabulous illustration made by one of our audience members. that captured the spirit of our Panel Discussion.
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On 18th June, we, at Equilibrio Advisory, celebrated Autistic Pride Day. This year the theme of the day is “Unapologetically Autistic”. However, in a world with no awareness and support systems embracing one’s autistic traits wholly can be a daunting journey. To learn about some of the barriers autistic persons might face, click here.
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Under the POSH Act, 2013, any organization with 10 or more employees must form an Internal Committee (IC), even if no women are employed, as “employee” is defined in gender-neutral terms. For workplaces with fewer than 10 employees or complaints against the employer, the Local Committee addresses complaints. Tap to explore the detailed response.
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We observed Stop Cyberbullying Day on June 20, 2025. With our focus on child safety and inclusion, we recognize the challenges children face when expressing their identity online. In a recent poll, 75% of respondents said they’ve seen children bullied simply for being themselves. It’s time to create safe, affirming digital spaces—not ones that alienate and shame children. Awareness is the first step. Click to read more.
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Relationships, that are meant to be built on trust and safety, can be a site of violence for the LGBTQIA+ community. Be it one’s birth family, peer groups, or romantic / sexual partners; queer and trans persons are often manipulated or humiliated, under the guise of familial concern, friendly humour or romantic passion. To honour our selves, it’s essential to discard relations that do not honour our full selves.
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Stay Current!

~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!

I - LEGAL UPDATES

The Andhra Pradesh High Court held that a transgender woman in a heterosexual marriage can seek protection under Section 498A IPC for cruelty. Upholding gender self-identification per NALSA, the Court validated her legal standing but quashed proceedings due to vague FIR allegations, calling them an abuse of legal process.
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The Rajasthan High Court ruled that a minor’s informed decision to continue her pregnancy prevails over parental consent. Despite being 17, the girl showed sufficient maturity to decide. The Court upheld her reproductive autonomy under Article 21 and dismissed her mother’s petition for termination, directing the State to ensure medical care and compensation.
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The Jammu & Kashmir High Court quashed rape charges against a man accused of assaulting two minor girls, stating that medical opinion alone is insufficient to establish guilt. As the minors voluntarily accompanied him and denied coercion or assault, and no forensic evidence linked him, the Court found no prima facie case.
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II - Exploring Intersections

In the matter of Anamika vs. UOI & Ors., the petitioner who was sexually harassed by her male fellow students who passed obscene comments and sexually coloured remarks against her regarding her identity had challenged the constitutionality of Section 354-A of IPC, on the ground that it excludes victims of sexual harassment who are transgender persons, and is thereby ultra vires of Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Indian Constitution.

The Hon’ble Delhi High Court observed that if a cognizable offence was made out under S.354A IPC in the complaint, the same shall be registered even if the complainant is a transgender person, in line with the Supreme Court’s decision in NALSA.

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Understanding digital safety through the lens of child protection is more important than ever. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply part of a young person’s life, knowing what to look out for and how to respond is essential.

To understand more about child safety in the context of digital engagement, check out this article by Rosanna Rodrigues (Head, Mental Health at Work) and Farzeen Khambatta (Senior Associate, POSHEquili and Child Safety at Work).

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Grief is a complex response to profound loss, whether personal or universal. It is an intense, often overwhelming feeling that can show up through multiple emotions. When someone is grieving, it can be difficult to find the right words or know how to offer support. Grieving is a deeply personal process, and it’s not something that can be “fixed.” So, what can be supportive? To understand the nuances of grief, click here to read more.
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Engage with us!

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

Did you know that the Academic Council (AC) of the University of Jammu recently approved the creation of one extra seat for transgender candidates in every on-campus course? This initiative was taken as part of the university’s social responsibility.

The trans community in India continues to advocate for greater reservation and representation in education and employment. A 2017 survey by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) highlighted a severe crisis of opportunity. It revealed that only 6% of transgender individuals held formal jobs, while 54% had no work or were forced into informal and often hazardous occupations like begging, sex work, or ceremonial customs like “badhai” practised within the Hijra community.

This progressive move by Jammu University is an important milestone in supporting the rights and opportunities of the transgender community in India.

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 is Queer Fatigue, and how can it be addressed?

Answer: Queer fatigue refers to the emotional and physical overwhelm many within the LGBTQIA+ community face. This sense of exhaustion comes from having to move through a world that constantly questions their idenity and choices; having to educate others on the need for inclusive practices; fighting invalidating behaviour like misgendering and deadnaming.

Activism for queer and trans persons is not just about marching at pride events. It is interwoven into their daily lives. From correcting misconceptions and discriminatory biases, to navigating the process of coming out and struggling to achieve basic rights and dignity, everyday can feel like a struggle. The burden of navigating a world that can be hostile and unaccepting, lead to feelings of burnout and disconnection from community and self.

To address queer fatigue, it is necessary to prioritize radical rest. Taking the time to tune off from social media, setting healthy boundaries with family members, peers or work colleagues who are unaware and unaffirming, can go a long way to restore a sense of balance. It is equally important to celebrate small victories along the way and connect with communities that acknowledge queer and trans identities. Lastly, therapeutic support from a queer affirmative mental health practitioner can help ground into a sense of wellbeing.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing queer fatigue, reach out to us at connect@equilibrioadvisory.org for the support you deserve.

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