LGBTQIA+ Career Resource Guide

Being open at work can be a daunting challenge, but it can also relieve the daily stress of hiding who you are. Here are some suggestions to consider as you think about whether or not to come out at work.

Questions to Consider

• Does your employer have a written non-discrimination policy? Does it specifically cover sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression? 

• Does insurance cover domestic partner benefits? Does health coverage cover transitioning costs? 

• Is there a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employee resource group at your workplace? 

• What’s the overall climate in your workplace? Do people tend to make derogatory comments or jokes? Are any of your co-workers openly LGBTQIA+? 

• What are your work relationships like? Do people discuss their personal lives? Are they asking questions about yours? Is the atmosphere friendly or guarded? 

• Does your state or locality have a non-discrimination law including sexual orientation and gender identity/expression? 

• Is your company ranked on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index? If so, what rating has it earned?

Being Your Authentic Self

Once you’ve assessed your workplace atmosphere, here are some practical steps to take:

•Identify someone in your office who identifies as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or LGBTQIA+ supportive and talk with them first 

• Remember to take a breath! People will often take their cues from you on how to talk and feel about LGBTQ+ issues. The more casual you are, the more likely they are to follow your lead 

• Talk about LGBTQ+ related news stories, movies, TV shows or other topics as a way to signal your views or start the conversation 

• Display an HRC sticker, a picture of your partner, or other identifying memorabilia on your desk 

• If you feel comfortable enough, bring a partner or date to company functions, or have them meet you at work one day

Benefits of Being Open at Work

•Eliminates the need to hide or mislead 

• Makes deeper friendships possible 

• Breaks down barriers to understanding 

• Builds trusting working relationships 

• Lets us bring our “whole selves” to work 

• Being open can make you more productive, and can even benefit your career because your peers will see you in a new, perhaps even courageous, light

Additional Resources