The journey to self-acceptance is shaped by moments of courage, supportive communities and the freedom to live authentically. Three Amazon employees—Sayambhu Sen, Manika Chawla and Astha Varshney—share how visibility, allyship, and an inclusive workplace have shaped their lives and careers.
Sayambhu Sen, Applied Scientist
For Sayambhu Sen, understanding his identity began at 16 through films, online resources and Pride events in Kolkata. The movie Prayers for Bobby helped him understand and accept who he was, while greater visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community through digital content helped his parents gain a deeper understanding.
In earlier workplaces, Sayambhu did not always feel comfortable being open about his identity. At Amazon, he found something different—colleagues who were curious rather than indifferent, who asked respectful questions about his partner and his life.
"Amazon has been the workplace where I have felt the most accepted," he says. Through Glamazon, Amazon's LGBTQIA+ affinity group that connects employees and allies across the company, he contributed by writing articles, organising talks and participating in initiatives that foster inclusion.
His message to allies: "Be curious, not judgmental. When people are open-minded, it creates opportunities for genuine connection." For Sayambhu, the Leadership Principle Learn and Be Curious captures this perfectly, meaningful allyship begins with asking questions and being open to understanding experiences different from one's own.
Manika Chaplain, Senior Content Reviewer
Manika Chawla knew who she was from a young age but spent some time navigating about how her family would react. Shortly before her 27th birthday, when a relative's marriage proposal surfaced, she realized the conversation could no longer wait.
She gathered her courage and told her parents the truth. She didn't know what to expect—silence, questions or something else entirely. But her father's response carried a quiet strength that changed everything: "I'll handle the relatives. You just let us know if you're dating someone, and who do you want to marry, tell us whenever you're ready." The fear she had carried disappeared, and trust replaced it — both ways.
At Amazon, she found a workplace where she could be herself from Day One. Conversations about her personal life flowed naturally, and colleagues responded with warmth. "That was the first moment I realised I was in the right place," she says.
Through Glamazon, Manika found a platform to share her story and support others. Her advice: "Love yourself for who you are and respect yourself. The hardest battle is the one within yourself." Manika connects deeply with the Leadership Principle Dive Deep—building inclusion requires going beyond surface-level assumptions and developing a genuine understanding of others' lived experiences.
Astha Varshney, Software Development Engineer
For Astha Varshney, the journey was about realising she was never meant to fit into a predefined box. "Everyone around you assumes that you fit inside a box," she reflects. "But deep down, you know there was not even a box to begin with."
Growing up, she felt the pressure to become the person others expected. But she chose authenticity over conformity. "Over time, I realized that the person most affected by my choices would always be me. And once I understood that, I chose to honour my own truth — gently, but firmly."
Since joining Amazon, Astha has always felt accepted for who she is. "There has not been any point during any professional conversation where I felt different because of my identity," she shares. Through Glamazon, she found not just community but purpose — joining the organizing committee and being part of initiatives including mock interviews for trans individuals, bringing together allies, volunteers, and community members in one room. "In that room, there were no labels. There were just people," she says.
For Astha, the Leadership Principle Dive Deep resonates personally — understanding begins with curiosity, and taking the time to learn about others' experiences is one of the most meaningful ways to show support. Her message: "Take your sweet time. Nothing good ever comes out of being pulled out of the closet. But when you do want to come out, know that there are people who will support you."
The power of allyship
A colleague asking a respectful question. A parent choosing love over convention. A community that creates belonging without labels. Allyship is not a single act—it is the sum of everyday choices that tell someone: you are safe here, you are seen. Sayambhu, Manika, and Astha each found it in different forms — and each now pays it forward through Glamazon, through storytelling, and through simply being visible.
Amazon India's commitment to inclusion
Amazon India’s inclusive culture is built on the belief that everyone should be able to bring their authentic self to work and thrive. Through Together at Amazon, the company fosters belonging and collaboration through initiatives focused on helping employees Grow, Thrive, and Connect. The programme celebrates diverse backgrounds and experiences, ensuring employees feel valued regardless of identity, background, or role.
Amazon’s commitment extends beyond employees through benefits that support diverse family structures, including coverage for partners, children, parents, and parents-in-law. Employees can enrol their partners in health insurance, access gender reassignment surgery and infertility treatment benefits, and receive confidential mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additional wellness offerings include teleconsultation and preventive healthcare services. The company also invests in manager training to build empathy and strengthen inclusive leadership.
Glamazon, Amazon’s LGBTQIA+ employee resource group, connects employees and allies through awareness, support, and community initiatives. At Amazon India, inclusion goes beyond policy—it is a commitment to ensuring every employee feels they belong, can contribute meaningfully, and reach their full potential.
