Discrimination has been a pervasive issue that has affected many people's lives, but its impact is felt more intensely for individuals belonging to sexual minorities such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, Inc., only 4.5% of American adults identify as LGBTQ+, yet they face significant discrimination in their careers. This phenomenon can be explained through different concepts including career opportunities, ambitions, and professional self-efficacy.
Career Opportunities:
LGBTQ+ individuals are often denied job offers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Employers may assume that they would not fit into certain positions due to stigmas associated with the group.
Some employers believe that gay men cannot manage childcare duties, while others think that transgender women lack leadership skills. This creates barriers to career advancement and makes it difficult for these individuals to achieve their desired levels of success.
LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of unemployment compared to heterosexual counterparts, even when controlling for other factors such as education level and work experience. Therefore, they have limited access to high-paying jobs, promotions, and training programs. The resultant lack of opportunities affects their ability to earn enough money to provide for themselves and their families.
Ambition:
The prevalence of discrimination among LGBTQ+ professionals causes them to question their worthiness, which negatively affects their ambitions. They tend to doubt their abilities and potential due to low expectations from society and unfair treatment in the workplace. Some of these people feel like impostors who do not belong where they are, leading to a decrease in motivation and commitment to achieving goals.
Those experiencing discrimination are more likely to face burnout than their straight colleagues. As a result, their confidence declines over time, making them less productive at work. Their lowered performance reduces their chances of getting promoted and hinders their professional growth.
Professional Self-Efficacy:
Self-efficacy refers to one's belief in their capability to perform well in specific tasks or situations. LGBTQ+ individuals have significantly lower self-efficacy compared to heterosexuals because they experience negative feedback from supervisors and coworkers. Such comments reinforce the notion that they cannot achieve greatness in their careers. Accordingly, they become pessimistic about succeeding in competitive environments, which limits their potential.
Some may avoid taking on challenging projects due to fear of failure or rejection from peers. Others might abandon their jobs altogether if they can find alternative sources of income that offer greater flexibility and support. The diminished self-belief makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ professionals to advance their careers and reach the top of their professions.
Discrimination impacts the career opportunities, ambition, and professional self-efficacy of sexual minorities. The phenomenon affects the financial stability, motivation, and capabilities of these individuals, limiting their success rates and future prospects. Therefore, organizations must create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
How does discrimination affect career opportunities, ambition, and professional self-efficacy among sexual minorities?
Discrimination is a form of prejudice that creates an unfair treatment of people based on their race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. It has a negative impact on the mental health of individuals and can lead them to have lower levels of self-confidence and esteem (Powell & Rennie, 2018).