How do I handle discrimination at work? Please help!!?

Question

I act rather masculine for a female, but it's only to protect myself (from my dad, originally), and I feel guilty when I dress feminine. My co-workers think I'm a lesbian and ignore me, make overt religious statements, and/or just treat me normal. My supervisor thinks I have a crush on her, but I just ask a lot of questions. If anything, I'm an attention-seeker. How do I deal with the hostile types to the paranoid. I straight, and I'm secure with that, but some co-workers sit around and pass judgement. How do deal with them? How do I protect myself from homophobics who feel threatened without putting myself in an even worse position?

Answer 1

Listen,

i am sorry that people will make work an uncomfortable environment.

ideally i would say ignore them but it is hard.


they think your gay.

so just prove them wrong by putting a picture of Johnny Depp in your cubicle with a heart around it.

or causaslly mention priatres of the Caribean and how you love Johny Depp or hess so cute.

or even causally mention something about if you could move to an island with some hot actor of you choice......

don't make a big deal about it just causul.
those who think your gay will have to rethink.a

sorry i wish i had better advice.

Answer 2

First, it's not discrimination, unless you have been denied a promotion or other opportunities based on your "perceived", not actual, lifestyle. In most states, you can't even file for discrimination based on sexual preference. What you may have is a "hostile work environment".

You need to have an honest and open dialogue w/ your supervisor. ( Why do you think your supervisor thinks you have a crush on her? Are you sure about your perceptions?)

The supervisor can't make your co-workers like you, and you may just need to develop a tougher skin. You have no idea how many ******* you will have to work with in life. But she does have a responsibility to ensure a safe, productive workplace, free of harrassment.

Be specific "Judy said I would burn in hell" or "Jim called me a dyke". Focus on how the behavior is impacting your ability to do the job. Ask for her assistance--state clearly what you want (a transfer? For the worst offender to stop the behavior?) Document your conversation (date, time location, what you said, what she said).

You can't control what others think of you. You can't change their behavior only how you react/respond. You could proclaim your heterosexuality from the rooftops, and they would still think what they want. Offer to pray for the religious zelaots so they may develop tolerance and love of others.Or ignore them. Think how pathetic their lives must be if the only joy they get is speculating about YOUR life. Focus on your work, and tune out the bigots.

Answer 3

Ok to start, how do you know your boss thinks you have a crush on her? Has she openly told you? The problem with your statement and your questions is that you are making assumptions as to why you get treated the way you do... and you try to justify the way you're treated by pushing the ideal that THEY have the problem when, no offense, but the problem may be that very perception. Never jump to a conclusion about the way someone feels about you, your perceptions may be wrong and you'll feel the way you do now. As of right now, based on your question, you are accusing them of something you don't even know if they are guilty of! You're passing judgement on them...
Now if someone comes out and tells you to your face what the issue is... well thats another story.

Answer 4

Just ignore them. Ignorant people will always be ignorant. Try to find others to talk to (if you can) and if you cannot, remember you go there to work. Do your work, and go home.

As for the questions/remarks, just say (loud enough for the boss to hear) to the offender "Do you need work to do? Is that why you're not working now?"

Answer 5

Carry one of those small cameras with sound recording that fits into a snug small space. Then zap them with recording. Go to your lawyer and show him the evidence. Then contact corporate headquarters for action or quick settlement or lawsuit....Tadah. The American Way...

Answer 6

who cares what they think. I'd just say, um, I'm not a lesbian. and if they continue their childish behavior, find somewhere new to work or get over it cause people are people and won't change

Answer 7

at the same time as i develop into youthful it ought to damage me and that i ought to take it very demanding. yet as i have been given older i realized rather of feeling undesirable for myself i felt undesirable for the folk doing the discrimination because they somewhat are those that are misplaced in this international without a clue. additionally they choose to remember that in the adventure that they choose to discriminate the subsequent time they choose medical help or the police or the hearth branch or what ever that if any of those everyone appears to be like ones they discriminate adversarial to then they ought to easily refuse their help. yet humorous how at the same time as they choose help for themselves or a loved one it does no longer remember who helps save them. merely foodstuff for concept. Sorry about the rant.

Answer 8

E ---Equal
E ---Employment
O ---Opportunity
Talk to a counselor, Human Resource, union, get all the professional advice you need to, the more , the better for YOU

Answer 9

unless you have a lot of money and a good lawyer, you are out of luck
if you DO have a lot of money and a good lawyer, file suit for discrimination...