In many workplaces, colleges, universities, or classrooms, there is a lack of acceptance for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, intersex, pansexual, omnisexual, polysexual, or otherwise sexually diverse. This can make it difficult for them to be their authentic selves and feel comfortable expressing their identities and interests without fear of discrimination or harassment. The following strategies may help LGBT individuals navigate these environments while still feeling safe and supported.
1) Be open about your identity.
When you are an employee, student, or student, it is important to be honest and upfront about who you are. If you don't tell coworkers or classmates that you are LGBT, they may assume you are heterosexual or cisgendered. They might then ask you personal questions or make assumptions about your sexuality or gender expression, which can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Being clear about your identity can help prevent this. You could say something like "My name is name and I am a bisexual woman." Or "Hello, I use they/them pronouns because I am trans non-binary." Don't worry about offending anyone - if someone has an issue with who you are, that is not your problem.
2) Seek out supportive colleagues or peers.
There may be other LGBT people in the workplace or educational environment who understand what you are going through. Find ways to connect with them, such as joining clubs or groups, attending meetings, or participating in social events. These relationships will provide you with a sense of community and understanding, and also give you resources and advice on how to deal with challenges.
You might learn from others how to handle microaggressions or negative comments, find LGBT allies, or develop strategies for coming out at work.
3) Use gender-neutral language.
If you feel comfortable doing so, try using neutral language when referring to yourself or others. This includes avoiding binary terms such as male/female or man/woman and instead using words like person, human, individual, or friend. You might say "I prefer my pronouns to be 'they/them'", or "John is our coworker and lives with his partner". These changes can show your awareness of diversity and respect for others while reducing bias and stereotypes.
4) Educate coworkers or classmates.
You don't have to educate everyone around you on sexuality, but if you have opportunities to do so, take advantage of them. By explaining concepts like cisgenderism, heteronormativity, gender identity, and sexual orientation, you help normalize discussions about sex and gender. You might offer examples of how these identities affect the world around us, share personal stories, and provide links to online resources that provide more information.
5) Set boundaries.
In situations where someone makes inappropriate comments or asks invasive questions, set clear boundaries by saying "That's none of your business" or "I don't want to talk about that right now." If someone continues to be disrespectful, report it to a supervisor or professor. You should not tolerate harassment just because you are LGBT. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Being LGBT in a conservative environment takes work, but it doesn't mean you need to compromise who you are. Use these strategies to stay true to yourself and find support and understanding along the way. Remember: you deserve to feel safe and accepted at all times!