ABSTRACT

This chapter explores key concepts of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees and their experience of disclosing their sexual identity and/or orientation in the workplace. It presents an issues faced by LGBT employees in the workplace in relation to discrimination and bullying, relationships with colleagues and managers and the perceived impact of 'coming out' on their careers and succession planning. The chapter draws from available literature on the topic and on a case study of LGBT staff in a university from research. Diversity management in the workplace has been the focus of many successful organisations by giving attention to addressing issues as a result of the evidence on workplace inequalities and disadvantages. These have addressed areas such as gender, ethnicity, disability and age equality. Lesbian, gay and bisexual employees are more likely to be a target of discrimination. The economic aspect of discrimination can include job loss or limitations in job promotion.