Significant barriers are faced by LGBTQ+ professionals at every stage of their careers, according to a new report from Pride in Leadership which exposes widespread homophobia in UK workplaces.
The report, called Barriers to LGBTQ+ Career Progression in the UK, is the first of its kind which combines qualitative and quantitative data from over 1,000 LGBTQ+ professionals.
85% of respondents said they have encountered career obstacles due to their identity, ranging from discrimination in promotions and a lack of LGBTQ+ representation in leadership, to verbal and physical attacks at work.
‘Stark’ lack of LGBTQ+ data
Claire Ebrey, co-founder of Pride in Leadership, and founder of On The Level Consultancy said:
“While other areas of diversity have been studied extensively, there has been a stark lack of data on LGBTQ+ experiences in the workplace until now. We hope it will drive real change, empowering organisations and policymakers to create truly inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ professionals can achieve their potential.”
The report also shows that the challenges intensify as careers progress, with one in four LGBTQ+ business owners or entrepreneurs reporting experiences of workplace abuse.
Denied job opportunities
More than half (56%) of respondents said their LGBTQ+ identity influenced their career choices, steering them away from certain industries, roles or locations due to fears of discrimination or lack of support.
16% believed they had been denied job opportunities because of their identity and a quarter of respondents had turned down job offers, or refused to apply for roles, in geographical locations they deemed less LGBTQ+-friendly, such as the Middle East.
One respondent, for example, said an employer commented that “they didn’t want poofs working for them”, and another said a company director changed their stance upon discovering they were gay and HIV-positive.
A third don’t disclose
Due to these obstacles, 32% said they never disclose their identity to clients or customers.
The report calls for urgent reforms, including stronger legal protections against workplace discrimination, greater transparency in hiring practices, and more inclusive leadership.
Matt Haworth, co-founder of Pride in Leadership and Digital Entrepreneur of the Year award winner, said:
“This research reflects what I’ve seen as a gay leader. From homophobia in meetings to being invited on trade missions to a country where I could be sentenced to death just for being me… the playing field is far from level.”
Despite DEI backlash, now not time to cut back
Haworth added that, despite the current DEI backlash emanating from America, “now is not the time for organisations to step back from EDI initiatives”.
“We need renewed commitment. Everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed – regardless of who they love or how they identify,” he said.
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