Hello, it's Pride Month, and that time of year where corporation branding becomes a rainbow, but is there any depth to it?
Whilst there are heaps of issues to talk about when it comes to queer inclusion, we wanted to take this month to spotlight some of the unique challenges faced by queer people in the workplace. In Australia, whilst significant strides have been made towards equality and acceptance (Hello, Gay Marriage 2017 (but seriously, less that a decade ago wtf?)), there are still so many obstacles that the queer community encounter in their professional lives.
This topic was inspired by a brunch with friends over the weekend, who mentioned that they still don't feel safe in the workplace to be their true selves. I wanted to bring it here to talk about what we can all do so my friends (and yours) can feel safe, supported and happy at work.
The Impact of Visibility and Fear
Many queer employees feel the need to hide their true selves at work out of fear of negative repercussions. Masking, or concealing your true emotions, thoughts or struggles, is a coping mechanism often used to navigate an unsafe workplace or social environment by "blending in" with others. This concealment can lead to immense stress and anxiety as maintaining a façade requires a lot of emotional labour and constant vigilance. The fear of being outed or not being accepted can get in the way of making connections with colleagues and lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from the workplace community.
What this Means for Mental Health
This constant pressure, to conform to a social environment, and navigate a potentially hostile or unwelcoming workplace, can take a severe toll of mental health. Queer people often face higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts (74.5% compared to 41.7%)(1.) The lack of visible peers, role models and mentors who share their identity can further exacerbate feelings of isolation and marginalization.
Why Inclusive Workplace Policies and Support Systems Matter
One of the easiest things your workplace can do is have or create policies and systems that support the LGBTQ+ community. Ask about it when you're at the job interview! Employers that implement a comprehensive non-discrimination policy that includes gender and sexually diverse people, offer inclusion training, and has LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, are key markers of a safe and supportive workplace. These inclusions not only help in creating a safer work environment, they also promote a culture of acceptance and respect.
Steps Towards Change
Education & Training. Regular training sessions on diversity and inclusion will help employees understand the challenges faced by their queer colleagues, and identify how they can actively contribute to a more inclusive environment.
Visible Support. Public support from the leadership and executive team, visible allies and other queer people in the workplace can reassure employees that they are valued, accepted and safe.
Inclusive Benefits. Offering benefits that recognise and support diverse family structures informs you that, ok yes there's been some thought put into this and these polices aren't just surface level. Often these inclusive benefits are good for all employees too, like parental leave for all genders.
Safe Reporting Mechanisms. Establishing confidential, trustworthy and effective reporting structures for discrimination and harassment ensures that LGBTQ+ employees can feel safe and supported in voicing their concerns.
The Last Word.
At LSC, we understand the unique challenges that our LGBTQ+ community faces in the workplace. We are here to provide a safe, confidential and affirming space to work through these issues together. Whether you need support in dealing with workplace stress, guidance on navigating discrimination, or just someone to talk to and share your story with, we are here for you.
Remember, you are not alone. By working together, we can create workplaces where everyone, regardless of their identity, feels valued, respected and safe.
Book a free 20 min consult using the button below to chat with your counsellor at LSC, and start your pathway to wellbeing.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2024, February 27). Mental health findings for LGBTQ+ Australians. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/mental-health-findings-lgbtq-australians.
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