ABSTRACT
A 2015 survey of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) construction professionals in the United Kingdom carried out by the Architects’ Journal revealed that homophobia has remained at a high level when compared with other professions. The theoretical analysis of the site visit aims to inform practical efforts such as diversity awareness in architectural education and workplace policy and mentoring, referencing existing anthropological research into masculinity, gender and sexuality in construction. LGBT architects are particularly challenged by this character definition of the professional: working spheres overlap personal lives through the long hour’s culture and close-knit social activities, and a general lack of diversity awareness and training. Architect Dieter Gockmann’s interview in the Architects’ Journal highlights the consensus ambition that sexual orientation should not be a dark secret but a shared one entrusted to the team, leading to a professional identity grounded in personal integrity.
