Empathy and being an ally
Breaking the Taboo and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community:
Bhavik Pancholi, diversity and inclusion specialist; and David Levine, head of studio, Moonbug Entertainment
BEING empathetic to the LGBTQ+ experience creates better allyship in working environments, a professional has said.
During a session on supporting the community, diversity specialist Bhavik Pancholi and Moonbug Entertainment’s David Levine explored the importance of role models, networks and safe spaces.
On what it means to be an ally, Levine said: “When people begin to understand what the LGBTQ+ journey is like, they can be better allies.”
Pancholi revealed his ambitions to ensure all workplaces provided “safe spaces” for LGBTQ+ employees. “I want to talk to organisations on how they can create those spaces so people can be their whole selves at work,” he said.
Hailing from a “traditional Asian” family, Pancholi said he once believed his parents were not aware that the LGBTQ+ community existed. He came out to them when he was in his mid 20s, after his mother had heard of a rumour regarding his sexuality.
“My dad was disappointed I hadn’t felt able to talk about it for 20 years,” he said. “They told me I
was their son before I came out to them, and would be their son today, tomorrow and forever.”
However, Pancholi feels the ‘coming out’ process is constantly repeated. “You don’t just come out the one time,” he said. “Whether it is telling a new client or a new friend, we have to repeat the process of coming out again and again.”