Why should you care?
It’s understandable that your first question when job hunting may not be: ‘Is this employer LGBT inclusive?’. You’re more likely to be concerned with how well respected the organisation is, the opportunities for development, and perhaps the salary.
So why should you care whether an employer is LGBT inclusive?
Why do employers care?
The best employers understand that diversity and inclusion matter, that you matter.
They understand that enabling you to be yourself in the workplace will allow you to flourish.
For more than ten years, Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme has advocated the importance and benefits of diversity and inclusion among employers. We’ve done this across many sectors, from banking to construction, from local government to emergency services. Stonewall now works with more than 750 Diversity Champions who recognise and celebrate their LGBT employees.
LGBT Voices
Four people tell us about their insights and experiences of being LGBT at work
"I came out in the job interview for my role. I ended up talking about the work I’d done as part of my LGBT network at university. It does take strength, particularly if it’s your first big job. You really want to make a good first impression and being LGBT is a whole additional consideration. But I think the best thing is to attack it right from the beginning and be straight up straight away." (Ella)
Top tips for finding an LGBT-inclusive employer
So you’re looking for an LGBT-inclusive employer. Where do you start and what do you look out for? Use these top tips as a starting point when you’re scrutinising organisations you might want to work for.
1. Check the application
Do the employer’s materials mention diverse applicants? Do they welcome LGBT applicants, or make a clear statement that they don’t discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation?
Getting involved in LGBT network groups
An LGBT network group (sometimes called Business Resource Group) is an internal forum for employees at all levels of an organisation. These groups play a crucial role in advancing workplace equality in the UK and across the world. They are led by LGBT employees, so if your organisation doesn’t have one, you might be able to set one up.
Trans inclusion in the workplace
Stonewall is committed to helping organisations support their trans staff and the wider trans community they serve.
Although a big step forward, the Equality Act 2010 focuses on trans people who plan to, are undergoing or have undergone gender reassignment. This is not inclusive of the entire, diverse trans community. The most inclusive employers go above and beyond the law – incorporating non-binary identities and a range of gender expressions in their policies and activities.
Bi visibility in the workplace
For bi people, being open about their sexual orientation can be hard.
Bi identities are often dismissed and rejected by people both inside and outside the LGBT community. They can be faced with intrusive questions and negative stereotypes claiming that they are ‘greedy’ or ‘indecisive’.
These forms of discrimination can extend to the workplace, with bi people often facing distinct barriers. In the 2017 Workplace Equality Index staff survey, bi staff were less than half as likely to feel comfortable being out to all colleagues as gay and lesbian staff.
Stepping up as an ally
Allies – people who actively stand up for LGBT equality even if they're not LGBT themselves – have the power to transform workplace cultures for the better. The best employers recognise this. They find innovative ways to engage allies in LGBT inclusion – from showing visible signs of support such as rainbow mugs and Stonewall’s No Bystanders pledge, to running awareness-raising workshops about the challenges that LGBT people face.
Working globally
During your career, you might get the opportunity to work abroad. This could involve a short trip, a temporary placement or permanently relocating. Many LGBT people have positive experiences working globally, seeing it as a key part of their professional development.
However, it’s important to consider the varied situation for LGBT people globally. Human rights campaigners everywhere have worked, and continue to work, towards equality for LGBT people.
