Rainbow Alliance

Sexual diversity in the workplace - it pays off!

Homophobia is a form of discrimination; it is a negative attitude, a negative feeling, an aversion to homosexual people or homosexuality in general.  Homophobia manifests itself as hate, disdain, hostility and rejection of people thought to be homosexual and anything related to them.  This is especially true to people whose appearance and behaviour do not fit the perceived stereotypes of masculinity or femininity.

It is about attitudes

In open societies where the law protects LGBTTIQQ2S (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual persons, intersex, queer, questioning, two spirited) rights, workplaces are adjusting to this reality.  Fortunately, plenty of progress has been made.  No one would attempt to be openly hostile towards sexual diversity or sexually diverse people.  Yet despite this tolerance, we continue to seek acceptance in the workplace and OPSEU.  It is about attitudes. A positive workplace and OPSEU environment happens through positive attitudes.  The worst enemy is still indifference which includes saying, seeing and doing nothing.  This indifference usually comes from people uncomfortable with the sexual orientation of workers.  This in turn prevents the development of closer relationships and full integration.

What can you do in OPSEU and your workplace?

• promote the idea that fighting homophobia in the workplace and OPSEU is profitable for companies, institutions and employers;

• help LGBTTIQQ2S members reach their full potential within the workplace and OPSEU;

• motivate more workers to stay in local towns instead of fleeing to big cities because of their sexual orientation;

• inform and raise the awareness of all members, workers and employers about the consequences of homophobia;

• encourage employers to adopt policies that discourage homophobia in their workplace;make LGBTTIQQ2S workers feel even more included in the businesses they work for;

• motivate people to start LGBTTIQQ2S committees in the workplace and OPSEU’s regions.  This can include: joining the Rainbow Alliance, participating in regional human rights committees as well as local PRIDE festivities;

• Recognize the importance of staff retention! More often than not, companies with workplaces that do not welcome LGBTTIQQ2S workers lose out on productive individuals without knowing why;

• Productivity losses cost a lot! Research generally shows that homophobia in the workplace can lead to lower productivity, undermine people in sexual minority groups and impede their full potential at work;

• Discrimination costs a lot! Any kind of discrimination in the workplace is expensive for companies.  Mental harassment, psychological disorders and bullying are just a few of the damaging side effects of discrimination;

• ·Self-realization pays off! It is well known that the best way to motivate workers is to give them a path to self-realization. Feeling good and comfortable with workplace relationships (employer and co-workers) are invaluable factors of self-realization.  Moreover, an open-minded workplace is an incentive to join a company.

• ·Feeling good in your environment. Feeling good in your work environment is crucial.  People from the LGBTTIQQ2S community do not choose their sexual orientation.  Nevertheless, they do choose whether or not to hide it. People who trust their co-workers usually choose to tell them and feel relieved when they do.  It helps them build complicit relationships and gain everyone’s trust.

• ·Coming out in the workplace. Companies, institutions and employers can provide welcoming workplaces by reflecting a positive attitude and creating work environments that are conducive to their employees being free to reveal their sexual orientation.  Lastly, it is always up to the person to disclose their sexual orientation to whom they want and when they want.

What has the Rainbow Alliance been doing to raise the profile of LGBTTIQQ2S members in OPSEU and our workplaces?

·        Participate in Queer Ontario

·        Participate in Cross Cultural Learning Centre

·        Participate with Rainbow Health Ontario Equity Network

·        Network and participate with Canadian Professional Association for Trans Health (CPATH)

·        Forums and presentations on emerging issues in our communities during Convention 2012, Toronto PRIDE 2011 and International Day to End Racial Discrimination

·        Partner with other caucuses and committees on intersecting concerns to our communities

·        Attended International Out Games and Human Rights Conference

·        Attended conference on Seniors issues in the LGBTTIQQ2S communities

·        Attended GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE (GSA) meetings

·        Attended health conferences on LGBTTIQQ2S issues

·        Provide resources to members as requested on LGBTTIQQ2S issues in the workplace

·        Assisted in the design of an OPSEU lunch and learn course on trans issues in the workplace