I am begining to come out at work to some people, and it has been very accepting! My employer has an affinity group that encourages gay employees to come out and I don't understand why it's SO ENCOURAGED. I feel like it is my decision to open to the closest friends/co-workers, but why in general all these organizations do that?
2007-03-28 06:29:50 · 8 answers · asked by Marcelo 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
It's still one of those things that's considered "different" or foreign. Did you ever have people ask you "well, how did you know you were gay/lesbian/bisexual etc?" Don't you feel like asking them rhetorically, "well how did you know you were straight?" You just know, but it's hard for a lot of people to understand that. I completely understand you, though it's not like they're telling people who are straight to stand at a pulpit and yell "I'm a heterosexual!". What I think they are trying to do by encouraging gay employees to come out is to simply make them feel comfortable (for some, it may have the opposite effect). It could be one of those organizations that does not tolerate any kind of hostility in the workplace whatsoever be it racial, sexual orientation or otherwise and they want everyone to be aware of that. At it's worse, they could just want to portray that equal opportunity image for prospective employees. Bottom line, you want to make sure that your employees are happy and treated fairly.
2007-03-28 06:48:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The organizations don't out people (per your last sentence). In fact, most of them have an official policy to not disclose members. They exist to support those workers who have already come out or are in the process of coming out.
They exist as both a place for homos to discuss how to handle homophobic co-workers and as a social gathering place to meet other homos.
2007-03-28 06:53:34 · answer #2 · answered by bikerchickjill 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A. In some ways, it's like the Matrix: Once you're out, you cannot go back in.
B. I'm glad that they are supportive, considering that most gay people in the USA are afraid they will lose their jobs if they come out at work. Such encouragement is perhaps put in place to counter the expectation of DISCOURAGEMENT that is present in so many work-places.
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2007-03-28 06:34:42 · answer #3 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I applaud this attitude your employer has if it is for unselfish reasons.
However with the media coverage, both positive and negative, it seems more people are on the bandwagon. They want to portray a good image, depending on the company, for money, adverstiing, etc...
Congrats on the coming out at work btw.
2007-03-28 06:35:18 · answer #4 · answered by The Gay Argentian Seal 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It should not be pressured. It should be completely up to the person and when they are comfortable. They just want to make sure you feel comfortable and that you are accepted. There is more to it than just that though.
2007-03-28 06:33:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Canadian Research Suggests only 1.4% of Adults Homosexual
http://www.earnedmedia.org/frireport.htm
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2007-03-28 07:25:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
They want the Straight employees to know that the gay employees are JUST AS welcome as they are!
It's a kind of "CYA" for the company.
2007-03-28 06:33:38 · answer #7 · answered by DEATH 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They don't like being alone..
Safety in numbers..
2007-03-28 06:44:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋