Discrimination based on sexual orientation

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Vicky Wu (58385337) Wiki Project

The purpose of this wiki page is to discuss the discrimination based on one's sexual orientation, particularly within the job force and workplace.

What is Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation?

Discrimination is defined as "the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex[1]". Although there is no formal term for this phenomenon, discrimination based on sexual orientation is the unfair treatment towards a person based on their sexual orientation (a person's sexual identity in relation to the gender to which they are attracted; the fact of being heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual[2]).

Why Does Discrimination Occur?

There is no single reason to why we discriminate. As it it can appear in various forms, discrimination can be both intentional or unintentional. A possible reason to intentional discrimination is that we may feel insecure about ourselves. This can result in projecting our insecurity towards other individuals, targeting their most vulnerable side. Individuals that intentionally discriminate may obtain satisfaction or even happiness when seeing others feeling hurt, as this is one of the main factors in feeling insecure.

Unintentional discrimination often passes without us knowing. Unintentional discrimination sprouts from stereotypes, which are fixed and oversimplified images or ideas of a particular type of person or thing[3]. Some of the most widely utilized stereotypes include: Asians are always good at math, people who are depressed and wear all black are goths, and women cannot perform to the same degree as men. Because stereotypes are so widely used and set into society, we often do not consider them discriminative and forget that we may be hurting someone when doing something based on a stereotype. We may even consider them as "norms" because society makes it that way. In reality, however, stereotypes create discrimination, and it is when stereotypes are so frequently used that they turn into a concept of unintentional discrimination.

Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation in the Workplace

Discrimination against those that are not heterosexual is constantly observed in the workplace. An employer refusing to promote a employee, leaving colleagues out on company dinners, or even giving one's own work to another based on their sexual orientation are all examples of discrimination of this category. For example, classroom environments remain an unwelcoming place for lesbian and gay teachers despite existing laws that prohibit this act of discrimination[4]. Additionally, discrimination in the workplace prevents homosexual workers from executing their core functions in the job[5]. It can also lower their job performance as they would be treated differently, which can ultimately affect their mental health and stress levels.

It is also difficult for individuals to obtain jobs if they are faced with discrimination based on their sexuality. Mentioned before, stereotypes shape discrimination. For example, existing stereotypes for homosexual men include: tight jeans, a feminine voice, dyed hair. It is unfortunate that stereotypes against sexual orientation plays a large role in job hunting. First impressions are crucial for interviews, thus making it easy for homophobic individuals to discriminate between different sexual orientations based on their stereotypes. If a gay man walked into an interview acting like the previously described, it would be more difficult for him to obtain the job compared to a heterosexual man if he was to interact with a homophobic employer.

Action against Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation in the Workplace

Why do we ignore discriminating behaviour when we see it? Research has shown that victims do not always report incidents of harassment when they occur in the workplace[6]. As sexual orientation is a sensitive topic for many, victims of harassment might feel intimidated to speak up. Individuals may feel afraid about the outcomes of confessing their sexual identity as society still tells them they are at an disadvantage, despite the ongoing action against the mistreatment. It has also been observed that for every harassment that occurs, there are more third parties (bystanders) than the victims themselves, yet observers of workplace incidents may not always intervene[7]. Individuals may be afraid the target will shift towards them if they speak up, or they just simply do not know what to do in the situation.

Although there are laws in place against discrimination based on sexual orientation[8], it still occurs often. Fortunately, as sexual orientation is becoming a more widely-debated topic with numerous countries in the world recognizing different sexualities, discrimination based on sexual orientation is discussed more openly and frowned upon more severely than before. Teachers at school have the responsibility of educating students about discrimination and the different sexual orientations. In fall 2016, the government directed all school districts to include sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in their anti-bullying policies and codes of conduct[9]. Social media has also become a great tool to spread awareness about discrimination. Many online platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook have information on discrimination based on sexual orientation which educates users the consequences and negativity it brings. Additionally, awareness of discrimination based on sexual orientation is further improved with holidays dedicated to the LGBTQ community. These certain days are where members of the LGBTQ community come together to show their pride and that they are not afraid to be who they are. Furthermore, individuals that feel intimidated or alone in their situation can be supported on a larger scale which can ultimately lead them to spread the movement onwards as well.

References

  1. Oxford Dictionary. Oxford University.
  2. Oxford Dictionary. Oxford University.
  3. Oxford Dictionary. Oxford University.
  4. Connell, Catherine (2015). "Reconsidering the Workplace Closet: The Experiences of Lesbian and Gay Teachers". Sexual Orientation at Work: Contemporary Issues and Perspectives: 42–57.
  5. Bonaventura, Luigi; Biondo, Alessio Emanuele (2016). "Disclosure of sexual orientation in the USA and its consequences in the workplace". International Journal of Social Economics. 43: 1115–1123.
  6. Ryan, Ann Marie; Wessel, Jennifer Leah (May 2012). "Sexual orientation harassment in the workplace: When do observers intervene?". Journal of Organizational Behavior. 33: 488–511.
  7. Ryan, Ann Marie; Wessel, Jennifer Leah. "Sexual orientation harassment in the workplace: When do observers intervene?". Journal of Organizational Behavior. 33: 488–511.
  8. "Human Rights in British Columbia: Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation" (PDF). Retrieved February 26, 2019.
  9. Jeong, Jimmy (2017). "Sexual-orientation and gender-identity battle grips schools". Retrieved February 27, 2019.