Navigating Being LGBTQ+ in Workplace
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Being LGBTQ+ in the workplace can be more complicated than it needs to be. Unfortunately, even though visibility of the community has increased over the years, workplace discrimination continues to be an issue. In this article, we intend to define what exclusion looks like at work, how to cope when you can’t simply quit, and where you can turn to address the issue.
How to Recognize Discrimination
The LGBTQ+ community faces workplace discrimination at high rates. According to a recent report by the UCLA Williams School of Law, 47% of LGBTQ+ individuals have been discriminated against at work at some point in their career. 39% of individuals who are “out” at work have experienced unfair treatment related to their sexual orientation. An alarming 55% of transgender and nonbinary folks reported feeling similarly, and some followed that up with saying they have left a job because of the unfair treatment.
Discrimination is defined as unfair treatment of different types of identities, including race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Discrimination at work can take many forms. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the following behaviors can be challenged as discriminatory: being laid off without reasonable cause, unequal pay, harassment, requesting and/or disclosing private health information, and coercion to not pursue discrimination claims.
Legal definitions aside, there are other signs and signals that individuals you work with or the organization you work for may be hostile toward your gender identity or sexual orientation:
Microaggressions and subvert comments that may seem benign but are actually hurtful and reinforce harmful stereotypes
Noticing when/if you are being excluded from social opportunities with colleagues
If leadership seems reluctant to commit to diversity initiatives that protect individuals from historically marginalized groups
To put it simply, if your gut is telling you that your workplace is not accepting of your identity, it may be worth exploring with your therapist.
How to Cope When You Can’t Quit
Going to work is a necessary aspect of survival in our society. So, until you can find another opportunity that suits you better, or you win the lottery, here are some ways you can make your 9-5 less painful if you’re in a hostile work environment.
Use somatic techniques
Do a body scan, whether you have 3 minutes, 10 minutes, or it is your after-work self care
Lean into community
Find solace in your “work spouse” and other allies among your colleagues. If your workplace allows it, and it is safe to do so, foster LGBTQ+ inclusion at work by creating an affinity group for queer folks and other allies
Attend queer-centered networking events in your industry
Practice vulnerability with trusted folks in your life when work is getting you down
Find meaning outside of the office
Explore a new hobby or interest
Take a class that engages with your creative side, draw, paint, do pottery, or dance
Double down on your queerness and get involved with your local LGBTQ+ center
If It’s Too Toxic, You Have Options
Human Resources can be a source of support and allyship, but ultimately HR's prerogative is more often than not to protect the company so it may not be the safest place to report workplace discrimination. Heed this advice as you feel that it applies to you and your company. Both on a federal level and a state level there are resources to report discrimination at the workplace. Utilize these resources to see if reporting your workplace bears fruit. If nothing comes of that, or you feel like you have a stronger case, find a queer-friendly employment lawyer for a consultation.
Experiencing discrimination at work is too common, but you’re not trapped. If you want to talk to a therapist about your struggles who understands the systemic implications of being an LGBTQ+ person at work, schedule your consultation today!
