Obstacles at Work for Gay/Transgender Employees

What stops gay and transgender people from coming out at work? What can straight people do to make it easier? Brian McNaught explains why coming out is a business concern that impacts retention and profits.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• LGBT
• gay
• lesbian
• bisexual
• transgender
• workplace
• diversity
• homosexual
• training
• global
• corporations

[bmcnaught]

I'm glad that it was. Thank you for your feedback.

[bmcnaught]

I find that a lot of people across the globe don't get the transgender issue yet. Initially, having no contxt to understand it, I too was unsettled by it implications. But I have since met so many incredibly wonderful transgender people who are so much happier than they were before transitioning that I cannot help but be supportive.

[GermanPaddy78]

I know what you mean. I always had problems with that issue, too, until I met a transgender person at my home town's community center. I talked to her about that issue and she was very open about it. I mean, she made it so comfortable for me that I could ask her stuff that was almost embarrasing for me to ask. My point is, that we all might gain more insight, if we reach out to the people around us.

PS. I like your videos. You're a very good speaker. Very inspirational. Thank you!

[bmcnaught]

Thank you for the affirmation. We all share the experiences of getting past our discomforts when we have faces to put on our fears.

[bookcreator]

@annteve Wow it must have been even harder coming out trans than gay, because then your parents will especially try to keep you as the gender you were born with (you know, she's my little girl or he's my little boy sort of mentality). I hope one day all the world is accepting, and that all the questioning little 8-year-olds won't be afraid to talk to their parents about what they're feeling.

[annteve]

You're an exception speaker. As a transgendered person, your message is needed and greatly appreciated. It is through such presentations that knowledge eliminates fear and hatred. Thank you.

[quanteum]

Middle Sexes

watch?v=jaPsiGutGPQ

[quanteum]

@leojboby With being transgendered Its not so simplistic as wearing clothes. What is more important is our brains are wired for estrogens but receive very little and much too much androgens. When transitioning we begin HRT (hormone replacement therapy) which is akin to a man living in a dessert his whole life finding Lake Michigan. Typically a non-transgendered person who took the medications (estradiol, etc) I take would have violent physical and/or mental reactions.

[quanteum]

@bmcnaught As a transgendered woman I "don't get gay males" - lol

But I support their right of expression and believe they have as much to offer to the human experience as any non GLBT individual. We don't choose trans anymore than a gay person chooses to be gay. The hard part is choosing to live and express your true self no matter the slurs and societal disapproval.

[Keoki1987]

wow u are great it is so hard trying people why i am gay.