Discrimination against Gays in the Workplace
By Andy Heath
I have found that discrimination against gays in the workplace is a unique problem because it typically doesn't happen immediately. Let me give you an example. Let's say Oprah goes into an office to apply for a job. Whoever is interviewing her will immediately know she's not white. But if a gay man or lesbian woman goes to apply for a job, they may not immediately be identified as gay.
When gays are discriminated against in the workplace, it typically happens after they have already been hired. In most places in this country we can be fired just for being gay. And even when we're not fired, we can often bump our heads on the infamous glass ceiling that keeps us from being promoted into higher positions.
I have said before that I am a strong believer in coming out of the closet. I am still an avid believer in coming out of the closet because people cannot respect gays or lesbians if they don't even know who we are. But that is not to say we should put a yellow star on our clothes and ask for discrimination either. We have the delicate task of educating an ignorant society on just how normal we are.
Unfortunately, discrimination happens, and it will happen to most of us at some point, whether or not it's in the workplace. If you have laws to protect you against such discrimination, have the courage to file a complaint. If not, then there is not much you can do about employers that discriminate, but then, you may find you don't want to devote your talents to such employers anyway.
