It’s understandable that your first question when job hunting may not be: ‘Is this employer LGBT inclusive?’. You’re more likely to be concerned with how well respected the organisation is, the opportunities for development, and perhaps the salary.
So why should you care whether an employer is LGBT inclusive?
The reality is that many people hide their LGBT identity when they get that all-important first job. And people across all sectors continue to experience homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in the workplace. You need an employer who will respect and celebrate who you are, recognising that diversity of all kinds brings real business benefits to an organisation.
It can be difficult living in a world where people often make assumptions about your sexual orientation or gender. Have you ever worried about telling someone the gender of your partner? Have you ever been misgendered but not felt comfortable or safe to correct the other person?
The more you’re forced to be somebody else or hide who you are, the more your happiness and performance at work will be affected. When you spend more time thinking about how to describe your weekend without ‘outing’ yourself than on that looming deadline, you and your work will suffer. Simply put, you’ll perform better when you can be yourself. Working for an inclusive employer will mean you have a happier, healthier and more productive work life.
However, a working environment where you can be comfortable expressing your sexual orientation and gender identity is not a given. That’s why employers’ inclusivity is worth taking seriously. Working for an inclusive employer will mean you have a happier, healthier and more productive work life. You have enough to think about at work – discrimination based on your LGBT identity should not be a concern.
Discover your next career with an LGBT inclusive employer. Click the link to start your search, https://www.proudemployers.org.uk/
Created in collaboration with LGBTQ+ young people, Stonewall Young Futures offers signposting and advice on education, training, skills, careers, and work as well as support on mental health, self-advocacy and homelessness.
More and more people are looking for employers that offer exciting opportunities to travel or relocate in a globalised world. Multinational organisations can offer just that, but at the same time many operate in countries where the experiences of LGBT people differ greatly.
An LGBT network group (sometimes called a Business Resource Group) is an internal forum for employees at all levels of an organisation. These groups play a crucial role in advancing workplace equality in the UK and across the world. They are led by LGBT employees, so if your organisation doesn’t have one, you might be able to set one up.
For bi* people, being open about your sexual orientation can be complicated. Bi identities are often dismissed and rejected by people both inside and outside the LGBT community. Sometimes bi people are even faced with intrusive questions and negative stereotypes claiming that they are ‘greedy’ or ‘indecisive’.
