Research indicates that one in two LGBTQ+ individuals report experiencing bullying or harassment in their workplace.
A survey conducted by the Trades Union Congress involving 1,000 LGBTQ+ participants revealed that one in five had faced verbal mistreatment at work within the past five years.
More than 25% of respondents reported encountering homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic comments directed towards them or made within their vicinity.
Additionally, one in 20 individuals informed the TUC that they had been subjected to physical violence, threats, or intimidation at work due to their sexual orientation.
The union organization stated that it was not unexpected that nearly 30% of LGBTQ+ employees choose to conceal their sexual orientation while at work.
The survey highlighted that on every metric, younger LGBTQ+ employees aged 18 to 24 faced greater levels of discrimination in their work environments.
Layla, an educator, recounted her experience of being questioned about ‘how she engages in sexual activities’ by her colleagues in the staff room.
TUC’s findings disclosed
- Approximately one in five (19%) LGBTQ+ individuals reported exposure to verbal abuse at work over the last five years.
- Over a quarter (28%) stated they had faced homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic remarks directed towards them or uttered in their presence.
- Furthermore, one in 20 (5%) shared with the TUC that they had endured physical violence, threats, or intimidation at work based on their sexual orientation.
- A staggering 29% of LGBTQ+ individuals choose to keep their sexual orientation secret in the workplace.
The ramifications
- About one in five (19%) LGBTQ+ individuals reported having been subjected to verbal abuse at work in the last five years.
- More than a quarter (28%) indicated that they had encountered homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic comments aimed at them or expressed in their presence.
- Moreover, one in 20 (5%) communicated with the TUC that they had faced physical violence, threats, or intimidation at work due to their sexual orientation.
She expressed: ‘Before I had come out to anyone, my headteacher remarked, “no one would openly admit it, but if you appear to be a lesbian, securing a position in a primary school is unlikely”.
‘People often don’t suspect that I’m gay, meaning I overhear homophobic remarks constantly. It’s unbelievable to me.’
Vee, who previously worked in the hospitality sector, stated that she faced both verbal and racial abuse because of her LGBTQ+ identity.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak commented: ‘This new report brings to light the severity of discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ workers in their workplaces.
‘LGBTQ+ individuals ought to feel secure and supported in their workplaces; however, they are instead encountering alarmingly high levels of bullying and harassment, including assaults.’
Mr. Nowak further stated: ‘The culture in the workplace must evolve. No one should think it acceptable to make discriminatory remarks or ask inappropriate questions of a colleague simply because they identify as LGBTQ+—let alone engage in serious acts of violence.
‘It is imperative that lawmakers shift the responsibility for preventing harassment onto employers rather than victims.’
Merely 16% of those who experienced bullying and harassment reported the incidents to their employers, and only 25% confided in a colleague.
A shocking 20% of those who lodged complaints indicated that their grievances were disregarded, and another 12% stated that their concerns were not taken seriously.
A spokesperson for Stonewall remarked: ‘Every individual deserves to feel safe at work and should expect their employers to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards abuse. It is unacceptable that even in 2024, some individuals still face mistreatment in the workplace solely based on their identity and the individuals they love.
‘Research shows that inclusive workplaces correlate with happier, more engaged, and more productive employees. Inclusivity is advantageous for everyone, yet it is unfortunate that LGBTQ+ individuals frequently feel compelled to hide their identities from their colleagues.
‘We take pride in supporting numerous organizations dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and enabling every employee to prosper. Nonetheless, there remains considerable work to ensure every LGBTQ+ individual can feel comfortable being their authentic selves across all spheres of their lives.’
Engage with our news team by reaching out via email at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For additional stories like this, explore our news page.
