Two in five LGBTQ+ employees still feel the need to hide their identity at work, research finds

Research by Stonewall has found that two in five (39%) LGBTQ+ employees still feel the need to hide their identity at work.

The statistics came as the new US administration rolled back federal commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes, and threatened future action on private companies. 

More than one in four (26%) LGBTQ+ people experienced verbally abusive conduct from customers or clients because of their identity. 

More than a third of employees reported having heard discriminatory comments made about LGBTQ+ colleagues, and 12% had been fired or dismissed because of their sexuality.

Nearly a third of LGBTQ+ employees (31%) did not agree they could be themselves at work, and three in 10 (31%) would not feel comfortable reporting discrimination if they experienced homophobic or biphobic bullying or harassment.  

LGBTQ+ History Month starts in February, and figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that more than one in 10 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK now identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Stonewall said that these young people will be a crucial part of workplaces, politics and lives in the future, so organisations must stand firm and commit to equality and inclusion for their future workforce.  

Stonewall urged businesses not to bow to political pressure and have their heads turned.

The value of inclusive and empowering company cultures is well established and the economic return well documented.

Workplace inclusion is an important aspect of employee wellbeing and a key driver for attracting and retaining talent. 

Simon Blake, CEO at Stonewall’s, said: “Our latest research comes at a time where LGBTQ+ rights are in the spotlight – many LGBTQ+ people and those who support them are worried about the global challenges we face to hard won and established rights. 

 “Stonewall has worked with thousands of organisations to make their workplaces more inclusive over the last 20 years.

“Organisations must stand firm on their commitment to equality and inclusion – not only is there a moral case, but there is a clear business case to do so.

“The number of LGBTQ+ people is increasing; and will be a crucial demographic in our workplaces and our society.

“Everyone, including LGBTQ+ people, will be looking at their employers to demonstrate their commitment to their employees by striving for equality in their workplace.

“When employees feel safe to be themselves at work, they are more engaged and productive and that is good for the bottom line.  

“Outside the rhetoric and politicisation, the reality is that LGBTQ+ people – like everyone – spend an enormous part of their lives at work.

“Everyone deserves equal treatment in the workplace, and the knowledge they will not be abused, harassed or treated unfairly.”