Despite significant advancements in societal attitudes and legal protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals, many continue to encounter workplace challenges and disparities. Among these challenges is a concerningly high rate of sexual harassment.
This phenomenon isn’t just a matter of interpersonal conflict but a systemic issue that underscores the need for more inclusive workplace policies and cultures. We first need to understand the root cause and look further into why LGBTQ employees face high rates of sexual harassment to combat this issue and create actionable strategies.
We must first understand what sexual harassment is before we take a close look at some of the reasons why LGBTQIA+ employees may face higher rates of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in the workplace involves unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. It also includes offensive remarks about a person’s sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
It’s important to recognize that sexual harassment is not limited to actions that are overtly sexual. Rather, it can also encompass any behavior that demeans or humiliates someone based on their sex or sexual orientation.
The unfounded belief that LGBTQIA+ individuals are hypersexual is one prevalent stereotype that exacerbates the issue of sexual harassment. This offensive, dehumanizing stereotype that these individuals are promiscuous may encourage predators and aggressors to ask for sex and sexual favors or even go so far as to enact sexual abuse.
We cannot truly protect our LGBTQIA+ employees without making serious, concerted efforts to educate employees on these stereotypes and root out predators and inappropriate behavior. It’s also vital not to force the victims to become educators of their perpetrators.
Due to the hypersexual, promiscuous stereotypes, coworkers may have the notion that asking probing questions is appropriate. These conversations are inappropriate in any scenario, regardless of whether an individual’s intent was curiosity or to engage in more lighthearted banter.
This behavior contributes to discomfort and perpetuates an environment where LGBTQIA+ employees feel under constant scrutiny. Sensitivity training regarding the LGBTQIA+ community becomes a necessity in these cases, and employers should pair it with sexual harassment training.
Being a vulnerable population is one of the main reasons why LGBTQIA+ employees face such high rates of sexual harassment. Vulnerable populations include the LGBTQIA+ community, children, older adults, and people with varying disabilities.
These populations are much more likely to be at a general disadvantage regarding physical, mental, and social health. As a result, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are much more vulnerable to harassment in general, including harassment of a sexual nature.
Others Might Try To Pass Off Insensitive Comments or Questions As Jokes
Attempting to dismiss insensitive comments or inquiries as mere jokes is a common occurrence in the workplace, especially toward LGBTQIA+ individuals. This defense often masks the underlying prejudices and perpetuates a culture that considers “casual” discrimination acceptable.
Such actions contribute to feelings of alienation and undervalue the seriousness of the disrespect, whether intended to be humorous or not. Organizations must make clear that humor at the expense of someone’s identity is unacceptable and educate employees on the impact their words can have.
A lack of familiarity with the LGBTQIA+ community often leads to misunderstandings and inadvertently inappropriate behaviors at work. Some coworkers, without intending harm, may not realize that certain comments or actions can be offensive or hurtful. This gap in understanding underscores the need for comprehensive diversity and inclusion training that covers the nuances of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Such training should aim to educate all employees about the LGBTQIA+ community, dispel common myths, and provide clear guidelines on respectful behavior. Creating an environment where everyone is informed can significantly reduce instances of unintentional harassment and build a more inclusive workplace culture.
It’s also important to consider the opinions of LGTBQIA+ employees. What are their experiences? What do they believe the training should cover? Is the training comprehensive and accurate, or outdated and offensive? Asking these questions before a training session can incorporate important feedback and opinions without putting them at risk of having to teach or engage with an aggressor.
Despite the increasing awareness and legal advancements aimed at protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace, many employees are still uninformed about their rights and the protections available to them. This lack of knowledge can lead to feelings of powerlessness and vulnerability when facing discrimination or harassment.
Employers must make information about anti-discrimination laws and company policies easily accessible to all employees. They can do so by including this information during onboarding training and providing educational pamphlets, showing individuals how to engage with Human Resources. Workplaces can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone by ensuring everyone is aware of these protections.
Now that we know why LGBTQ employees face high rates of sexual harassment, what are some actionable strategies companies can employ? Cultivating an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and actively combats prejudice is a great start. As mentioned, this cultivation involves implementing comprehensive diversity training programs and consistently updating them.
Employers must establish clear and strict anti-discrimination policies and communicate them to all employees, ensuring they know there’s a company-wide zero-tolerance stance against harassment. Additionally, creating a supportive system for reporting issues without fear of retaliation is essential. This could include anonymous reporting channels and appointing diversity officers who can sensitively address concerns.
Finally, employers should ensure that company benefits and policies do not discriminate by gender or sexual orientation, offering equal support and recognition to all partnerships and families. Through these actions, workplaces can become safe, respectful, and empowering spaces for LGBTQIA+ employees.
Through these concerted efforts, we can build a professional world that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and protects the rights and dignity of every employee, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Let the Law Firm of Tamara N Holder help if you want to uproot sexual harassment in your workplace, or if you’ve been the victim of it. With fiercely dedicated sexual harassment lawyers, we have the experience and determination to fight for your rights.
