The Reversed Mentorship Program pairs younger employees with senior leaders, not to learn the ropes of the business per se, but to offer fresh insights and challenge corporate cultures. Justin, with his interest in LGBTQAI+ advocacy and diversity, participates in the initiative to foster a deeper understanding across generations. 'The thing about mentorship is that it’s often viewed as a one-way street. Younger mentees learn from the seasoned pros. In our sessions, it's truly a two-way exchange. Sen brings his experiences, and I bring a new perspective about LGBTQAI+ topics, which we both see as crucially important today.' Justin highlights.

In recent months, their sessions have begun to focus more on the role of allies within the LGBTQAI+ community, and how these roles evolve as society progresses. Justin shares that Sen found it intriguing to observe how allyship manifested in his world, among his friends and colleagues, as well as the acknowledgment of our unconscious biases. 'We discussed the different dimensions of being an ally—it's not just about support, it’s also about actively engaging in making spaces more inclusive, it can be just as easy as just listening to each other. And it was very insightful to realize how biased and pre-conditioned, I really was without realizing. This gap, this disconnect in what’s perceived versus what is, became a focal point for me.'

Impact of Personal and Media Representation Justin and Sen’s journey through the program led them to explore a variety of sources and discussions, including the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary, Disclosure. The documentary examines the depiction of transgender individuals in Hollywood and its impact on wider societal attitudes. 'Watching Disclosure was transformative,' Justin noted. 'It’s one thing to discuss these issues abstractly; it’s another to see the concrete examples, displayed by Laverne Cox, of how media shapes perceptions and, consequently, how people are treated in real life. I believe that people tend to mimic what they see rather than acting on their own, rationally. The session that perhaps left the most significant impact was the one conducted by Camilla, a transgender colleague, during a company lunch and learn session. Camilla shared her personal and professional journey, charting terrains of acceptance and the battles against prejudice. 'That session stirred something in a lot of us,' Justin recalls. 'It was as if the theoretical was suddenly very real, very human - because it was, human. You could see the shift in people’s faces as they listened to Camilla speak about her transition and finding her authentic self. It’s those moments that start to chip away biases.'

Future Outlook on LGBTQAI+ Advocacy Asked about how he sees the future of LGBTQAI+ advocacy and inclusion, Justin was optimistic yet pragmatic. 'My vision for the future is built on the hope of normalization and celebration of diversity. Where we move beyond just tolerance to genuine acceptance and joy in our differences,' he shares. 'But it’s not just about hope; it’s about acting. It’s about what we do in our everyday interactions and the standards we set in our professional environments.' One particular discussion that stood out for Justin was the examination of intersectionality within the LGBTQAI+ community. 'We explored how overlapping identities—race, gender, class—affect one’s experience within and outside the community,' he said. 'It was enlightening to see how these dynamics play out in current scenarios.’ Justin’s passion and commitment are evident, as he was not just absorbing knowledge but actively participating in shaping a more inclusive culture. Through Deloitte’s Reversed Mentorship Program, he was part of a larger dialogue, one that bridges generations and goes to a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of diversity and inclusion. 'It’s been more than just a ‘recurring meeting’; it’s been a transformative journey for both of us,’ Justin highlights.