Like those in other states, members of Michigan’s LGBTQ community face numerous issues in the workplace. Despite laws meant to protect them, LGBTQ workers face discrimination bias every single day. As many as half of these employees have claimed that they have been discriminated against in their workplace.
Survey discovers how prevalent workplace discrimination is against LGBTQ workers
A survey was conducted last year asking people who identify as LGBTQ whether they have ever faced workplace discrimination. Although the law makes it illegal to discriminate against workers due to their race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age, the survey determined that almost half the individuals who participated reported that they faced discrimination at work.
The survey discovered that 46% of LGBTQ workers reported facing unfair treatment in the workplace and even in their careers. They described being denied raises and promotions, required to work extra hours, and being excluded from functions. As many as 9% of those workers even reported that they were fired, laid off, or denied employment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
What did these workers face?
The survey took place in May 2021 and questioned LGBTQ employees about their experiences at work within the past year, past five years, and since they first entered the workforce. Nearly 26% stated that they experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Nearly 21% said they were physically harassed. Laws relating to employment make these actions illegal, but workers were subjected to them due to their LGBTQ status.
One gay man reported that his boss verbally and physically abused him while a queer woman stated that she was regularly sexually harassed by male coworkers. Many of the people who participated in the survey said that their work hours were reduced or that they were given undesirable shifts.
Stronger laws being instituted
President Joe Biden has issued executive orders to strengthen protections for LGBTQ people in the workforce. A North Carolina federal judge recently ruled against a Catholic high school when it tried to fire a gay drama teacher after he announced his engagement on social media.
Much of the discrimination against LGBTQ workers are motivated by religious beliefs. Some people who took part in the survey reported being told to pray. Some of the things those discriminating against them said were even worse.
If you are LGBTQ and have faced workplace discrimination, it’s your legal right to fight back. Don’t let discrimination bias go unpunished. File a lawsuit to stop it from happening any further.