Workplace Discrimination against Sexual Minorities: Subtle and not‐so‐subtle

Abstract

Sexual minorities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals; LGBT) experience workplace discrimination that leads to decreased physical and emotional well-being, and negative job outcomes.LGBT individuals may also experience microaggressions and ostracism in the workplace. Microaggressions are brief and subtle slights or insults that can be either conscious or unconscious, which have negative consequences similar to direct "old-fashioned" forms of discrimination. Ostracism, being ignored and excluded, has similar negative outcomes. Microaggressions and ostracism are often ambiguous and difficult to substantiate legally, whereas other forms of discrimination can be observed directly. We review the literature on microaggressions and ostracism, which have recently been investigated with LGBT populations, suggesting future research directions. We suggest practices for encouraging an organizational climate of acceptance.

Discrimination, Work Stress, and Psychological Well-being in LGBTI Workers in Spain

“…Although these levels of discrimination were relatively low (an average score of 2.2 out of 5), this does not mean that they are without consequences, as we discuss below. Our findings are consistent with those of other surveys and studies conducted in Spain (European Agency for Fundamental Rights -FRA, 2012; Di Marco et al, 2018;FELGTB-COGAM, 2013) and other countries (DeSouza et al, 2017), that show that LGBTI individuals report feeling discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace.…”

“…Specifically, studies reveal that LGBTI individuals report discrimination at work, which is associated with lower physical and emotional well-being, and negative work results (DeSouza et al, 2017). In Spain, a study conducted by Di Marco et al (2018) using 39 in-depth semi-structured interviews with LGBTI employees found that they experienced incivility at work in the form of jokes, use of language, stereotypes, and nosy behaviors.…”

“…person and experiencing psychological and well-being problems (e.g., Bostwick et al, 2014); b) between experiencing discrimination at work for being LGBTI and physical and psychological wellbeing (e.g., DeSouza et al, 2017); c) between discrimination and stress in general (e.g., Bruce et al, 2015); and d) between stress and psychological well-being (e.g., Nixon et al, 2011). However, no studies have addressed all these constructs in relation to each other in LGBTI people focusing on work environment.…”

Diversity and inclusion for LGBT workers: Current issues and new horizons for research

“…As noted previously, although employers and organizations are working to become more "gay-friendly," harassment directed at LGBT workers continues to make workplaces hostile, with evolving forms of discrimination such as microaggressions and ostracism (Wesselmann et al, 2017). Therefore, it should come as no surprise for many LGBT workers to experience threats to their sense of workplace dignity.…”

Understanding sexual prejudice: The role of political ideology and strategic essentialism

“…Sexual minorities are often the target of widespread discrimination and experience inequities in many domains, ranging from employment, to healthcare, to education (D'Augelli, ; DeSouza, Wesselmann, & Ispas, ; Eliason & Schope, ; Elliot et al, ; Hebl, Foster, Mannix, & Dovidio, ). Additionally, evidence is accumulating that experiencing social‐identity‐based discrimination contributes to adverse mental and physical health consequences (Doyle & Molix, ; Pascoe & Richman, ).…”