New
Delhi, June 7, 2025 : As the
third edition of the Trans Employment Mela (TEM) prepares to unfold on June 18,
2025, in Delhi, leading Indian corporates are coming forward to champion
workplace equity for transgender and non-binary individuals. Organised by the
TWEET Foundation and InHarmony, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), this year’s Mela aims to enable 100 dignified
job placements, setting a bold benchmark for inclusive hiring in India.
What began as a
grassroots initiative has now become a growing movement—one that’s being
powered not only by the community but by a rising tide of corporate allies.
This year, Publicis Sapient returns as the Platinum
Sponsor and the Lalit Suri Hospitality Groups as the Gold Sponsor for the third
consecutive year, with Hexaware as the Title Sponsor, P&G and Hexaware joining
as Gold Sponsors, reflecting a deepening commitment from industry
leaders to invest in transformative inclusion.
“At
Publicis Sapient, we believe that true transformation begins with inclusion. We
are proud to sponsor TransMela 2025 for the third consecutive year, reaffirming
our unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTQIA+ equity in India’s workplaces.
This partnership is more than symbolic—it reflects our deep-rooted belief in
creating spaces where every individual, regardless of gender identity or
expression, can thrive with dignity and authenticity. Through initiatives like
the Rainbow Internship and our continued collaboration with grassroots
organizations, we strive to build a future where opportunity is truly
inclusive,” said Vieshaka
Dutta, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader, India from Publicis
Sapient.
Joining them in
this mission is The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, serving both as Gold Sponsor
and Hospitality Partner, led by one of India’s most visible champions for queer
rights, Keshav Suri.
“Talent
is universal, so why are opportunities still selective? In a time when the
trans community continues to face attacks, erasure, and exclusion, the Trans
Employment Mela is not just a job fair—it’s a bold act of resistance and hope.
At The Lalit and the Keshav Suri Foundation, we remain unwavering in our
support. But real change needs more than solidarity—it needs action. It’s time
businesses, leaders, and allies: step up. Because an inclusive India isn't a
dream—it’s a responsibility we all share,” said Keshav
Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Founder,
Keshav Suri Foundation.
Last year’s edition
of the Mela facilitated 77 placements across more than 20 companies—nearly
doubling the outcomes of its debut year in 2023. With an ambitious goal of 100
placements this year, TEM 2025 is more than a job fair—it is a platform for
possibility, dignity, and systemic change.
Beyond recruitment,
this year’s Mela focused on hosting networking sessions, sensitisation
workshops, performances by community artists, and storytelling spaces—providing
opportunities for employers to engage deeply with the lived realities of trans
persons and the immense potential they bring to the workforce.
With growing
participation from progressive corporations and the relentless efforts of
community-led organisations, the Trans Employment Mela is a powerful reminder
that inclusive employment is not a favor—it’s a fundamental right. And in the
vision of an equitable India, business leaders are not just participants; they
are catalysts of change.
ABOUT
ORGANIZERS
TWEET
Foundation (www.tweetindia.org)
is an NGO based out of Delhi
and Mumbai led by trans persons dedicated to providing the community with
crisis support, short shelter stay, health and legal resources, and connecting
them with skill building and inclusive employment opportunities. TWEET works
closely with key stakeholders for mainstreaming advocacy for the rights of
transgender persons. It works with the government to bring in policy-level
changes and works with civil societies and the corporate sectors to build
strategic partnerships to support the trans movement and welfare.
InHarmony (www.inharmony.in)
is a pioneering Diversity,
Equity & Inclusion advisory firm dedicated to fostering inclusive
workplaces across India. Specializing in consultancy services, training
solutions, employee wellbeing programs, research, and diversity hiring support,
their impact spans various industries, guiding companies in the cultivation of
inclusive & equitable spaces. InHarmony's expertise encompasses gender,
LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and less privileged caste
categories, catering to diverse age groups. It boasts a distinguished panel of
experts including facilitators, coaches, psychologists, psychiatrists, and
trainers, all committed to delivering bespoke, innovative solutions tailored to
meet each client's unique needs. InHarmony’s founder, Anupama Easwaran is a
board member of TWEET Foundation working extensively with the transgender
community since the past 8 years. She is the recipient of the APCOM Hero Award
2023 in the Community Ally category and a 2 time TEDx speaker. At InHarmony,
their mission is to drive positive cultural change, making workplaces places
where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Social
media handles for more information:
In
Harmony:
In.harmony LinkedIn
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/in-harmony/
In.harmony Website
- www.in.harmony.in
In.harmony Facebook
- https://www.facebook.com/in.harmony1
In.harmony Insta
- https://instagram.com/in.harmonyworld?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
TWEET
India
For TWEET Insta
- https://instagram.com/TWEET_foundation?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
For TWEET linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/TWEETfoundation/