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If you are queer and afraid of discrimination, is there a way you can find out ahead of time if a company is a safe place for you to work?

Hi! My name is Anina and I'm a high school senior interning at CareerVillage. One of my best friends is queer, and once had to quit their job because the environment was not very friendly towards them. How can you make sure that your workplace is LGBT+ friendly? #human-resources #company-culture #lgbtqa

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Chip’s Answer

Hi Anina, HRC is a great resource to check out which companies actively support LGBTQ people. They have an annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI) that is very comprehensive, covering many topics. Check it out here: https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/corporate-equality-index


You may also want to check out Glassdoor, they often have great insight into a company's culture, the way the treat their employees, and what sort of benefits are offered. While not specifically addressing safety in the workplace, it might give some additional insight.

Chip recommends the following next steps:

Check out HRC's Corporate Equality Index (CEI): https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/corporate-equality-index
Thank you comment icon Chip - Thank you for your answer. We need more advice like this, now more than ever! There are more than 1k unanswered questions on CV right now. Hoping you'll answer a few more this week! Jordan Rivera, Admin COACH
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Darren’s Answer

Hi Anina. Excellent question! I’m glad you are supporting your best friend in finding resources to ensure a safe and positive working environment. I, too, faced this same question when I was preparing to enter the professional workforce as a member of the LGBT community. I found myself searching the internet extensively for companies I was applying to. Most often, companies will have Diversity and Inclusion information on their websites. For example, PwC provides information to our potential applicants about the importance of diversity in the workplace. Information regarding LGBT Inclusion is in the link below and we take it very seriously. I find one of the best resources is to speak to current or former employees of a potential company to gain a better understanding of the overall Diversity and Inclusion strategy and environment. In addition, another great resource is the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index which rates companies based on Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality. Please also see the link below. As an ally to your friend and to the LGBT community, continue to be the best support you can be as well as a positive influence. I know I looked to my best friends often when entering the workforce for support.

PwC LGBT Inclusion:
https://www.pwc.com/us/en/about-us/diversity/pwc-glbt-inclusion.html

Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (2017)
https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/corporate-equality-index
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Madhavi’s Answer

Hi Anina,


I'd suggest asking the recruiter if there are any ERGs for the LGBTQ= community at the company and request to have a conversation with leads/members of this group. ERGs are usually very aware of the challenges and opportunities for members of their communities.

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Amanda’s Answer

These are all great answers! I would only add that community is another great resource. Queer groups and communities (at high school and college campuses, places like bookstores, groups on the internet (e.g. Facebook, discord, even reddit?) have first-hand knowledge and experience about being queer in certain workspaces. Sometimes this experience is more valuable-- or simply more accessible-- than formalized information such as anti-discrimination policy. It is worth a shot to consult your community, as well as the formal pathways discussed above.
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Pavani’s Answer

Yes, there are a number of career websites out there where employees write reviews about their experiences both positive and negative. I would encourage you to read these reviews before making decisions. Also during interviews make sure you ask your potential employer the kind of work culture that is encouraged in the workplace. Diversity, and ethnicity mix is important too - make sure you have knowledge about that before you accept an offer.


Another interesting way is to ask your future (potential) boss how he/she handles conflicts within the team. That will give you a sense of the working style of the people you will be working closely with.

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Andrea’s Answer

Discuss with your hiring manager about diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Could they refer you to someone that is a part of the LGBTQ+ community that you could talk to during the interview process? Most organizations in Corporate jobs have some sort of DE&I (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Page that discuss their initiatives. Look for any LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups the organization has. Check out Glassdoor Reviews https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm Ratings for Workplace pride, best places to work, specific certifications for LGBTQ+ employee engagement: https://workplacepride.org/ . Check out their Discrimination Policies on their website.

At the end of the day, it will be your relationship with your manager/direct supervisor what will shape your experience. Discuss this during the hiring process so you can find out early on. (You do not need to out yourself if you do not feel comfortable coming out) but you can ask open ended questions like these:

Questions to ask during the interview process:

- What does X Company's discrimination policy looks like?
- How do you evaluate diversity of LGBTQ+ employees in the company?
- How would you describe the code of conduct and policies against discrimination in your company?
- How would you evaluate diversity within your team?
- What's your experience managing/working with/leading non-white cis men?
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Anina,

Researching LGBT+ Friendly Workplaces

Finding a safe and inclusive workplace environment is crucial for individuals who identify as queer to thrive professionally without fear of discrimination. Here are some steps you can take to assess if a company is LGBT+ friendly before accepting a job offer:

1. Check Company Policies and Benefits:

Look into the company’s official policies regarding diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination. Companies that have clear anti-discrimination policies often explicitly mention protection based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Review the benefits offered by the company. Some LGBT+ friendly workplaces provide specific benefits like transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage or support groups for LGBTQ employees.

2. Research the Company’s Reputation:

Utilize online resources such as company review websites like Glassdoor or Indeed to read reviews from current or former employees. Look for mentions of how the company treats LGBTQ employees.
Check if the company has received any awards or recognition for being an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ individuals. Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign publish Corporate Equality Index reports that rate companies on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies.

3. Network with Current or Former Employees:

Reach out to current or former employees of the company through professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences working at the company as an LGBTQ individual.
Attend networking events or job fairs specifically targeted towards LGBTQ professionals where you may meet individuals who can provide insights into different companies’ cultures.

4. Evaluate Diversity in Leadership:

Look at the diversity within the company’s leadership team. A diverse leadership team that includes openly LGBTQ individuals may indicate a more inclusive culture throughout the organization.
Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion often have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) focused on supporting LGBTQ employees, which can be a positive sign of an inclusive workplace.

5. Trust Your Instincts:

During interviews or interactions with company representatives, pay attention to how they discuss diversity and inclusion topics. Trust your instincts and evaluate if you feel comfortable being your authentic self in that environment.
If possible, ask direct questions during interviews about the company’s stance on LGBTQ rights and inclusivity to gauge their response.

By following these steps, you can proactively assess whether a potential employer is a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ individuals to work.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

Human Rights Campaign (HRC): The HRC is one of the leading organizations advocating for LGBTQ equality in the workplace. They publish resources such as the Corporate Equality Index, which rates companies on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies.

Glassdoor: Glassdoor is a popular platform where current and former employees can anonymously review companies and provide insights into various aspects of workplace culture, including inclusivity towards LGBTQ individuals.

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where you can connect with current or former employees of companies to gather firsthand information about their experiences working there as an LGBTQ individual.

God Bless You,
James.
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