Is your company creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees?

"The lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) community has made great progress over the past few decades gaining protections against discrimination in the workplace.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that a person can’t be fired due to their sexual orientation or gender identity under the 'Civil Rights Act of 1964.' In Canada, the government has also amended the 'Human Rights Act' to extend those protections to the community as well.

Yet gaps remain in those protections. For example, the 2020 ruling in the U.S. does not apply to employers with fewer than 15 employees, according to an analysisby the 'AP'. Additionally, the ruling did not address firings based on religious objections.

These gaps mean many LGBTQ+ individuals may still face discrimination or challenges in the workplace. And they may help explain why nearly a quarter (24%) of surveyed professionals were not open about their identity in their workplace, according to a new survey, with 26% of respondents worried that being open about themselves would cause coworkers to treat them differently.

The survey, which was conducted between April 30 and May 12 for LinkedIn by YouGov, reflected responses from 2,001 LBGTQ+ professionals in the U.S. between ages 18 and 69 years."

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