Hey everyone..I'm gay/lesbian and I was wondering just a couple of things...I would prefer for experienced people dealing with this matter who are LGBT as well to comment this topic, but of course everyone is welcome to comment..when being LGBT how is it out there in the states when trying to find a job. I'm currently living in Germany. i mean i know there's discrimination of course because that's just how this world is, but how exactly is it? Has being LGBT and your lifestyle ever destroyed your dreams or got in the way of a promotion or gettin a job all together? Did you have to hide who you really were at work even if you were already out? I'm a student in high school right now with straight A's, and I plan on going to U.Va (University of Virginia)..what states do you know of that don't discriminate as much and that are overall really tolerant towards the LGBT community..i'm also what people would refer to as a butch or a stud..so does it make everything 10 times worse??
2007-07-16 01:40:17 · 9 answers · asked by Keep It Mellow 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
the sad fact of the matter is, in the US, anyone can be fired for simply being "gay" or for that matter, appearing to be gay. However, the flip side of that is, I guess, anyone could be fired for being straight too. :)
However, I think most companies these days realize they cannot afford to discrimminate against a group of people who have a lot of talent, most who are well-educated, and most who have something to offer.
So, you get your job and then you feel the place out in terms of should you come out or not. In my place, I've been there for almost 10 years. I have a small handful of friends who know, my immediate boss knows, and then I'm sure there are some others who have found out too.
I dont make a big deal about it, because it's not a big deal. I would never lie about it, but, I would also never make it other's people's business unless I feel they deserve to know.
2007-07-16 02:29:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a House-Otter and I could be flippant and say "Yes, my 'employer' knows I'm out" but since my employer is also my Partner, I think she knows already. Truckinotter also out at her job and her company, for being a OTR trucking Co, is surprisingly good about us! The only thing they won't give in about is the insurance (drat) but otherwise they recognize us as Partners. In April I was able to go with her on the road for ten days and saw quite a bit of the Carolinas, the Appalachians and the Great Lake States. Lovely scenery. No wonder she gets cranky though. People don't realize how hard it is to drive a Big Truck. Have a good one, Dearest, sorry to have rambled!!
2016-05-19 00:41:31 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will add my 2 copper here because I live in Va. and am familiar with the way things are here. Virginia is one of the most closed mind, conservative, behind the times, and bigoted states in the US. I know there are going to be people out that disagree with me (you things like "no we aren't, we just don't like freaks", and yes I have had people actually say that to me when I make this kind of comment). UVA is a very high profile school both here in Va. and on the east coast/country in general. I would highly recommend being yourself, but not "advertising" you lifestyle. I am the same way about my personal beliefs for the most part as the people here are just as conservative about philosophical beliefs as everything else.
2007-07-16 02:22:59 · answer #3 · answered by s1lvermidnight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get an education usually work places like that, and if your good at what you do you will be fine. Just focus more on work than being out right at first, once you get in the groove you'll get expierence which is vital to getting better jobs in the future. As far as getting fired for being gay is would say different workplaces would deal with it diffrently you just have to make friends and dont center your friendship around your sexuality and people want wont to fire you.
2007-07-16 01:46:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i live in Texas....and I usually have to play it cool until I get the feel for the place. Now, I am currently working for an oil and gas company, so....I'm staying in the closet...sorta....I have co-workers that know and they keep it hush..hush..
Funny thing....my partner works for a pharmaceutical company...in the same building....and he's SO out...and we are always together....I'm surprised no one has put 2 and 2 together, yet....
I do have to say, I have been fired in the past for being gay. It used to hurt kinda bad. But I realized...maybe I wasn't meant to be there anyway...and so what...if they are ignorant enough to over look my outstanding work and only see that I'm gay....Then I didn't need them anyway...and I hope their company fails....
2007-07-16 04:05:08 · answer #5 · answered by Oberon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think hiding you you are may be a good idea if you identify yourself by whom you have sex with. Discussing sexual matters at work is a good way to get fired world around. Why would anyone think they have the right to tell others whom they have sex with?
The job belongs to the employer. He can hire anyone he wants for the job. If you make it illegal to fire someone because of their sexual choice, then other reasons will be used to get rid of the employee.
2007-07-16 01:55:34 · answer #6 · answered by Dr Jello 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i live in Florida and people know I'm gay as soon as i speak, lol that was a hard one for me to get over but i did. just be yourself and do a good job and don't advertise yourself as a gay person, be professional at work i mean, and you should be fine. no one bothers me or says things to me. after all they did hire you. and if your like me you can NOT hide what you are. i am not a flamer its just my voice, possibly some mannerisms. but there you go.
2007-07-16 02:00:35 · answer #7 · answered by alex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know anything about Germany's laws, but i know mostly in the USA, that most larger cities have laws protecting GLBT but even in our state it's legal to fire gay people from their jobs just for being gay, unbelievable in 2007!!! but i heard about a rural gas company that does just that, gawd help us all esp while the GOP is in power
2007-07-16 01:46:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being gay in Virginia will be the biggest hurdle you will face. I have the bullet-wound scar to prove it.
I'd suggest you find a better place to go to college. Virginia is evil, bigoted and racist.
2007-07-16 02:09:53 · answer #9 · answered by FTW 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋