Now that another Pride Month has come and gone, you have probably had many opportunities to reflect on the advancements LGBTQ+ people have made over the past several decades. You also have undoubtedly noticed there is a long way to go to achieve full equality in society, though.
Sadly, according to reporting from NBC News, roughly 50% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer workers have experienced discrimination in the workplace. This number shows that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to face workplace discrimination than many other workers.
Workplace protections
LGBTQ+ workers are securing job protections in a growing number of states, with California leading the country in the protections it provides to gay, lesbian, transexual and queer workers. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, the Golden State provides a reliable framework for seeking legal recourse.
Workplace discrimination
Even though sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are illegal in California workplaces, too many employers discriminate against LGBTQ+ workers. Remember, discrimination may not be as easy to identify as you may think, as employers usually know they cannot fire workers for being gay or transgender.
Subtle workplace discrimination is still discrimination, of course. If your employer does one or more of the following, you may have grounds to file a discrimination complaint:
- Denies training opportunities
- Refuses to promote you or give you a raise
- Tells you to act less gay
- Changes your job duties to keep you away from customers or colleagues
Ultimately, because subtle workplace discrimination can be demoralizing, you may need to act quickly to protect your mental health and save your career.
