Being out and open in the workplace may be a challenge for some employees, especially as no federal law explicitly prohibits discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
There are benefits to being out at work when it is conducive to doing so. These include:
Being able to bring one’s “whole self” to work
Eliminating the need to hide or mislead co-workers
The ability to build stronger and more trusting relationships in the workplace
Breaking down barriers allows for an understanding of the LGBTQ community
People who can come out in the workplace can focus and be more productive.
Those who wish to come out at work to relieve the daily stress of hiding their “true self" should think through the process and consider the following:
Does the employer have a written non-discrimination policy?
Is there anything within the policy that specifically addresses sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression?
Does your state, county or city have a non-discrimination law, including sexual orientation and gender identity/expression?
Does the company insurance cover domestic partner benefits?
Is there an LGBTQ employee resource group at the company?
Annually, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation publishes the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. This is a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.
Currently, more than 500 major businesses are listed. Consider researching the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index to see if the company is rated and the rating it has earned.
Also, take into consideration the overall climate in your workplace and your work relationships:
Are any of the current employees who are openly LGBTQ?
Do people tend to make derogatory comments or jokes?
Do people discuss their personal lives?
Do they ask questions about yours?
Is the overall atmosphere friendly or guarded?
Connecting with others who have also had to make the decision about whether or not to come out at work is helpful. Research or join an LGBTQ professional organization. These typically offer workshops, conferences, networking and information on labor laws in your area that create safe and equitable workplaces for LGBTQ people. These include:
Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists: www.aglp.org
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN): www.glsen.org
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Employee Association of the U.S. Department of Justice: http://dojpride.org
Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies: www.glifaa.org
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association: www.glma.org
Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association: www.lgvma.org
Out and Equal Workplace Advocates: www.outandequal.org
National Gay Pilots Association: www.ngpa.org
National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association: www.nlgja.org
National Lesbian and Gay Bar Association: www.lgbtbar.org
National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals: www.noglstp.org
Pride at Work, AFL-CIO www.prideatwork.org
