In conversation with Tracy Ann Curtis

What inspired you to launch this initiative?
Tracy: Cisco asked me to relocate from California to Bangalore to support the on-site development of their IT Operations  — this was in 2004 and I gladly accepted the assignment which turned from six-months into six years later with me being based in India.

My roles changed and eventually I had the responsibility for leading a transformation initiative across the Asia Pacific region, but by this time I loved living and working in India so when my assignment ended, I knew my global skill-set would be best served as an independent consultant — helping a broader set of organizations, teams and leaders navigate the global terrain and develop a practiced eye — and in 2010, I started TAC Global www.tac-global.net. I fell in love with India and for this reason, I decided to focus my practice on the Asia Pacific marketplace and maintain ‘home’ bases in both Bangalore, India and Kauai, Hawaii, United States.

Your thoughts on LGBTI community in workplaces in India?
Tracy: The LGBTI workplace community is filled with tremendous potential... talented employees who are competent, creative, innovative and committed to doing their best work. Their needs are the same as any other employees’ needs — respect, engaging and meaningful work, appreciations and career progression based on their contribution.

The big challenge for the LGBTI community is that it has long been shrouded in stigma and judgement and I suspect the cultural context in India remains very challenging for most of the LGBTI community. This topic is a great example of where the corporate culture of inclusion is changing the hearts and minds of the community through these initiatives.

How serious are corporate companies about turning inclusive in Bangalore and India?
Tracy: Serious...? This is a talent management issue for them... They have hired the best talent into their organizations and they want to retain this talent — regardless of a person’s sexual identity. It’s a huge deal to them, they’re really serious about it.

What’s your message to LGBTI community?
Tracy: My message to the workplace LGBTI community is to seek support and allies inside your organization — ensure you have someone you can talk to about what you are experiencing and remember that you are talented and have a unique contribution to make to your team and the organisation.

Some useful tips for those who are not yet ‘out’ and in the open?
Tracy: I would be naive to think I could provide useful tips. You need to do what’s most comfortable for you. There is no one right path in life. We are all very unique — what’s most important is that you trust that you know what’s right for you.