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Homosexuals in the workplace

by Nicole Bellefleur(Business Editor)

More and more, homosexuals are coming out of the closest. For some, it’s a relief to be able to stop hiding, to be themselves. Many others however, face the threat of losing their jobs when the truth comes out.

No one really knows for sure how many individuals are homosexual. It could be your neighbour, your best friend or perhaps your co-worker. One survey esti- mated that at least 10% of the American population was either gay or lesbian. This means that if you work fora large corporation, chances are that some- pne you think you know well, may be a homosexual. And if you thought that homosexuals only worked in the arts and entertainment industries, think again. A recently conducted survey found that 40% more ho- mosexuals are employed in finance and insurance than in arts and entertainment, and 10 times as many work

in the computer industry than in the fashion industry.

t is a fact that workers who are openly gay or lesbian ire less likely to move up the corporate ladder than heir heterosexual co-workers. Very rarely are they sver promoted to top management positions. Some rxecutives, worried about company image, have been cnown to dismiss employees when their sexual orien- ation became known. Even whenemployees donot Pe their jobs, many go to work every day only to ace discrimination and hostility from their co-work-

TS.

With all of the career risks associated with exposing ine’s homosexuality, why woulda person decide to ome out of the closest at all? For many, the burden imply becomes too heavy. They feel that they cannot lope with heterosexual role playing any longer. They vant to share their private lives with their co-work-

irs, just as any heterosexual would share his or her ie at the office. They'd like to display their part- ler’s photo on their desks, just as someone else vould proudly display photos of their spouse and hildren, They long to be able to bring their partners O company functions, rather than covering their tacks by inviting a friend of the opposite sex fora how, They simply want to be able to do things Without having to worry about being discriminated ainst, taunted or fired. Anotherreason for the hereased number of people exposing their homosexu- lity in the workplace, is that many recent college Haduates are used to the higher homosexual tolerance

levels on college campuses. They liked not having to hide being gay or lesbian while in school, and don’t intend to start hiding afterward.

Companies are finally beginning to realize that the stress brought on by homophobia does take its toll on worker productivity. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is now being taken seriously by companies and government. Activists would eventually like to see this type of discrimination as illegal as discrimi- nation based on race, age or gender. Some companies are funding homosexual employee support groups, where individuals can meet one another to discuss important issues. Other companies are setting up education programs to help their heterosexual employ- ees overcome homophobia. Even though these pro- grams do cost a lot for companies, the long term payoffs make them more than worth the effort. Hap- pier employees are more productive employees. Com- panies are able to attract and hold on to valuable employees who, because of their homosexuality, are likely to work for companies with reputations for fair employment.

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