To celebrate Pride Month in June, Zynga is highlighting employees from our LGBTQIA2S+ community who are championing diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We embrace the history, struggles and achievements the LGBTQIA2S+ community has made in advancing equal rights, and are proud to support a culture where everyone can be their authentic selves. Join us as we ask our incredible employees to share what it means to #PlayWithPride.

Today we’re spotlighting Paul Avijit Mondal, Social Media Community Manager at Zynga. Read on to learn more about Paul, what Pride means to him and why he believes to “live and let live” can help create a world without judgment.

What does Pride mean to you?

Pride to me is the freedom I will not deny to myself, as well as the promise that I will be true to myself and the people around me. Pride to me means the colors that I will not hide and the smile I wear with pride.

When was the moment you knew? The moment that everything sort of crystallized?

Ha ha ha… good question! There was no one day, to be honest. It took days and months and years for me to get where I stand today. But if I had to recall a significant moment, when I was nine or 10 years old, I admired my mom’s pencil heels and toe rings. Ohhh, those toe rings and bands! How wonderful they were in different shapes, sizes and colors. I think that’s when I started to identify myself to be different from others.

What are some ways we can help foster an inclusive environment so that everyone can bring their authentic selves to work? Why is this important?

“Live and let live.” This is my mantra of life and I carry this quote with me at work and wherever I go. If everyone would just follow this, then accepting others would become easier and the world would be a better place to live without judgements or hatred.

What positive policies or actions have you seen at Zynga that help promote equity in the workplace?

Our health insurance policy that covers same sex partners is a great initiative. 

How can people be good allies in the workplace and beyond? What are some ways for people to educate themselves?

You can be a good ally by simply spending time with the members of the community and listening to their stories. Listening to stories changes lives. The best way to learn and educate yourself is to start by listening; the rest will follow. However, if you do not have the exposure to meet members from the LGBTQIA2S+ community, you can watch videos on YouTube and movies made by filmmakers from the community.

What is a LGBTQIA2S+ movie, tv show, book, or game you think is a “must”?

“Heartstopper” #MustWatch

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

I would say to myself, “Don’t be afraid, Paul. Things will work out.”