Coming out at work

LGBTQIA+ workers are protected by the Equality Act 2010. It is illegal to discriminate based on your sexual orientation or gender identity.  

If you fear that you will be discriminated against at work because you are LGBTQIA+, you should speak to your union Rep or employer for support. If you fear discrimination from your employer, you should contact Community for support.

There are many benefits to coming out at work. This can include:

• Emotional benefits.
• Being your true self.
• Increased job satisfaction.
• Lower levels of stress and anxiety.
• A better relationship with your colleagues.
• Connect with other LGBTQIA+ colleagues.
• Having open channels of dialogue at work about sexual orientation or gender identity.

Not at all – it is ultimately your decision whether or not you come out.

There is no set way to come out at work and this experience is unique to everyone who goes through it. You should only come out when you feel comfortable to do so and should not feel pressured into coming out.

If you are considering coming out, you may want to consider these options:

• Get it out there – Rip the plaster off, take control and own your sexual orientation or gender identity and announce it to everyone.
• Let it happen naturally – You could drop your partner’s name into conversation or bring up your sexual orientation or gender identity as part of a casual conversation.
• Ask others to do it – If you don’t feel comfortable talking about your sexual orientation or gender identity, you could ask someone such as your trade union Rep or colleague to let others know for you.
• Do it selectively – You might feel more comfortable to start off by telling colleagues you are happy with telling and slowly telling more people over time.
• Ask your employer – If you feel it right, you may want to ask your employer to inform your colleagues about your sexual orientation or gender identity.

It is your employer’s duty to ensure that you are safe at work, including safe from discrimination.

If you fear that you will face discrimination or are the victim of discrimination because of being LGBTQIA+, we would advise that you speak to your union Rep and employer immediately for support. If this is not resolved informally, then a formal complaint can be made, or the case can be escalated to an employment tribunal. You should inform Community immediately if you intend to do this, as our legal team may be able to provide advice and support you through this process.  

Employers have a responsibility to create an inclusive working environment and support any LGBTQIA+ workers. This can include:

• Making employees aware of any policies relating to equality, discrimination, bullying and harassment or putting these policies in place.
• Having a dedicated equalities officer or Rep. Click here to find out more about becoming a Community Equalities Representative.
• Hosting equality training and encouraging all employees to take part.
• Challenging any instances of discrimination or bullying related to sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Encouraging open conversation about being LGBTQIA+ or having LGBTQIA+ family or friends.
• Supporting LGBTQIA+ events such as Pride or National Coming Out Day.

If your employer is discriminating against you for being LGBTQIA+, contact Community immediately for support.

You should be able to come out as and when you see fit. Being outed before you are ready can lead to feelings of humiliation and anxiety.

If your sexual orientation or gender identity is made public without your consent, this may be considered harassment or unlawful discrimination, depending on how it was disclosed.

If you are outed at work before you are ready, you should immediately speak with your union Rep or employer for support. If you are outed by your employer, you should contact Community.

That’s great that you want to support your colleague. Here are some ways you can actively support them in coming out:

• Respect their privacy – don’t out them without their consent.
• Be sensitive when asking questions.
• Offer your support for whenever they need it e.g., finding LGBTQIA+ support groups or helping to change workplace policies and attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ people and issues.

You can also indirectly support your colleague by supporting all activity which encourages creating an LGBTQIA+ inclusive workplace. This can include encouraging your employer to regularly update workplace policies, encourage equality training and workshops or celebrate LGBTQIA+ events at work.

If you are not LGBTQIA+ and want to support your colleagues, you can find our guidance on LGBTQIA+ rights at work here.

If you are passionate about LGBTQIA+ issues and rights, you may also want to consider becoming a Community Equalities Rep. In this role, you can ensure that the voices of LGBTQIA+ workers are heard and that your workplace policies reflect this.