How many of homosexuals get discriminated against? How many of you feel it has helped you to be "out" at work?
2006-11-18 12:44:03 · 11 answers · asked by Namaste 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
I've been out at every job since 1986. It has probably cost me some positions and a promotion now and then. But that's easier to live with than living a lie.
I work in a very stereotypically masculine workplace (auto repair).
2006-11-18 13:09:22 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yeah I'm looking for work too...oh sorry I thought it said "out of work" not "out, at your work."
I have found in my experience (and I am not gay not that there's anything wrong with that) that homosexuals do get discriminated against. There is still a group of people who feel that the sexual orientation of someone does dictate whether an individual is capable of doing his/her job. I personally think it's homophobia but then again, I look down on an individual who tells me of all his conquests to assure me of how much of a "man" he truly is.
If you are "out" in the rest of your life then work should follow suit. Be yourself. Besides if you don't tell and there are sure signs then the innuendo begins.
On this same subject Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes just got married today....
2006-11-18 21:05:01 · answer #2 · answered by Pretty_Bad_Logic 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone I work with knows I'm gay - most people guess pretty quickly even if I don't say anything, and a lot of customers know too. I wouldn't feel comfortable feeling I had something to hide, but I wouldn't make a big deal out of it if I thought anyone would have a problem.
Since last year (I think) it's been illegal here in the UK to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation, so in theory it shouldn't affect anything either way.
2006-11-18 20:53:24 · answer #3 · answered by JBoy Wonder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm out at work. It has helped, and hurt. I feel it is just as valid for me to discuss what I did over the weekend (within limits - no dirty details) as it is valid for my coworkers to discuss their weekends. I have same-sex photos at my desk of important people in my life. I'm just me. And that's what I think is important, to show intolerant people that there's really nothing different about gays or our lives from heterosexuals.
It has hurt in a sense, and I'm only discovering this recently. All of my teammates have children, and frequently dash off early to deal with doctor's appointments, daycare, sickness, etc. If I call in sick or have to leave early for whatever reason, it feels like my needs aren't as important as theirs. And my job has anti-discrimination policies that cover sexual orientation.
I've linked an article that gives some statistics on the number of gays who've been affected by workplace discrimination.
2006-11-18 21:07:51 · answer #4 · answered by dougeebear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always been cautious about when/where I come "out."
however, I am very fortunate to work at a very diverse office. I am not the only homosexual at my office. and there is a racial mix of white, black, Asian and Latino coworkers. we all get along and work together quite well. while we might not all agree on everything, we are a good group. and my being out has not hurt me at all. I also work at a company that offers benefits to domestic partners as well, so I can provide health insurance to my partner.
2006-11-19 00:19:19 · answer #5 · answered by redcatt63 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just make sure I work harder than anybody else...and so far it's worked out fairly well. If anybody asks me at work then I will tell them the truth, but I don't go out of my way to volunteer any info. It shouldn't make a difference what your sexuality is as long as you make sure to "overachieve"
2006-11-18 23:12:03 · answer #6 · answered by lattle4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everybody i work with knows about me-and they don't care either way.It has helped me mentally to come out to everyone-big load of the shoulders-i hope people will be more open with theirselves and accept themselves more,and just live and let live!!!
2006-11-19 00:34:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am, and my gf is covered by my health insurance! Quit a few "family" members are employed where I work.
2006-11-18 22:49:38 · answer #8 · answered by Eat At The Y 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I get paid at work to fulfil a function, not to bring my personal life to all I work with. My sexuality has nothing to do with my sense of professionalism, skill set or my maturity in keeping my private life private.
2006-11-18 20:48:04 · answer #9 · answered by Flashy Ashley 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Don't know that is Helped me, but it hasn't hurt me yet. I work with pretty open minded co-workers.
2006-11-18 21:34:36 · answer #10 · answered by joannaserah 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋