homophobia in the workplace?

Question

I work at a pretty laid back job where people are always joking around and having a great time. Recently though two of my co workers got into a fight and my one gay co worker was called a ****** mulitple times. although i wasn't involved in this particiluar fight i was in a similar fight a week before, and im also gay. Am i wrong to be offended? Also my boss knows about this and does nothing. What should i do?

Answer 1

You should be offended at their lackadaisical attitude at the very least. This exemplifies just how they handle discrimination issues at the workplace. Cuz there's joking around then there's crossing the line and he crossed it by saying something offensive with malicious intent to offend a coworker. Obviously this violates a code of ethics and without having to raise legal hell (and you could file a formal complaint to your local DA's office) you should first set boss-guy aside and let him know that at some point you were incredibly uncomfortable with the previous day's debacle. How he handles it tells you how important morals and ethics is to this company.

Answer 2

i am not certain that would qualify as homophobia,,,,, if the people were in a fight,,,, as during a fight people toss out all kinds of put downs,,,, more of a concern then what is said during a fight, would be why are you fighting in the workplace??? do other people fight also, with non gays? the fighting itself should be dealt with by the manager,, i am just saying that if that word was used, in a non fight situation, or if the other employees only fight with the gay ones, then it would be more of an issue of harassment and perhaps homophobia and certainly unprofessionalism by all parties involved
in my work place, we have all types, we are very diverse,, and we most often get along, when people get upset, all types of names get tossed out,,,, but no open fighting is allowed while working,,,,,,,,so its mostly comments made about someone to another uninvolved person,,,,,, a person might say something about a gay person, a gay person might say something about a gay person,,,,, a white about a black or a black about a black,,,, a black gay person about a white straight person,, etc etc, the names fly when the emotions rise,,,, we all take it for what it is,,,,, letting off steam,,,,,,

Answer 3

You're absolutely right to be offended!

Unfortunately, if you live in the U.S., gays do not have legal rights against discrimination, at least not under federal law. You will have to check your state law and your company's policies. Where I live, discrimination against gays is NOT a violation of federal OR state law, but it IS a violation of the company code where I work.

Check your company's HR policy on harassment and see what it says. That will also tell you the procedure to follow to file a complaint, if you choose to do so.

Also, check out HRC's website:
http://www.hrc.org/Template.cfm?Section=Work_Life
This bit is just a little sum up of a report, but click around. I'm pretty sure HRC has advocacy services, or links to them.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Does it occor regularly? It's in human nature to insult whatever seems easiest, it may not be homophobia, it may just be bloodymindedness. Insulting somone a few times isn't truely a huge thing.
You're not wrong to be insulted. Hell, I'm vaguely insulted by proxy. But, if it had been another insult (say 'Bastard'), would you complain? If yes, then complain to your boss. If he does nothing, complain to HIS boss.
There's probably some sort of governemnt body if all else fails, searching through gay rights forums and websites should yeild the apropriate information for your location.

Answer 5

There is no room for homophobia in the workplace. Ever!!

Answer 6

Hell no you're not wrong to be offended! If your boss knows about this and is doing nothing,then I'd file a sexual harassment suit.If any body's got a sure fire lawsuit,it's you and your friend. It is completely unacceptable to have to put up with that. If you're not comfortable with filing a harassment suit then I would suggest that the both of you find another job where you can feel safe and secure in the work place.

Answer 7

Fighting? Name-calling? This isn't a good workplace for anyone to be in. I'd say find a new job.

Answer 8

artwork position discrimination does not go away or get extra ideal in case you "strengthen up" and do not enable it get to you. It receives worse. And it truly is depressing being ostracized and burdened at artwork for belonging to a particular team. It has a unfavourable impact on all factors of your operating existence. the in effortless words aspect your buddy can do is wrestle again or go away. maximum individuals go away. you'd be her best buddy regardless of the reality that, and enable her recognize that the jokes are not humorous to you. Is it good for organisation to have extreme turnover charges because of a few idiotic fag jokes? No. undeniable, undemanding, and unprofitable.

Answer 9

I'd say complain...this way you'll always be remembered and most people will gradually begin to hate gays again. Each women there has a husband who'll hear this story and will warn his wife to stay clear of you.

You can never tell how a fight got started. You're unique, and you never mentioned the other gay 'WAS YOUR FRIEND". He/she might have started it, and you are getting flack because of them. Wait and don't fight other people's wars.

Answer 10

Since I dont know both sides of the story, its very difficult to give advice. I obviously cannot speak for everyone, but all situations like this i have seen in the workplace stem from gay people's intolerance of heterosexual people.