The disclosure dilemma for gay men and lesbians: "Coming out" at work.

TLDR

The study discusses implications and solutions for management regarding workplace disclosure of sexual orientation. The study surveyed 220 gay men and 159 lesbians, examining how self‑acceptance, identity centrality, disclosure to friends/family, employer policies, and perceived gay‑supportiveness influenced workplace disclosure. Employees who disclosed and worked in more gay‑supportive organizations reported higher job satisfaction and lower anxiety, with coworker reactions mediating the link between disclosure and job attitudes.

Abstract

This study examined disclosing sexual orientation at work for 220 gay men and 159 lesbians. Self-acceptance, the centrality of one's identity, how "out" one is to friends and family, employer policies, and perceived employer gay-supportiveness were associated with disclosure behaviors at work for gay/lesbian employees. Disclosing at work and working for an organization perceived to be more gay supportive was related to higher job satisfaction and lower job anxiety. Reactions of coworkers to gay or lesbian workers mediated the relationship between disclosure and gay/lesbian workers' job attitudes. Implications and solutions for management are discussed.