Queerness is a multi-faceted concept that encompasses many identities beyond just gender and sexual orientation. It involves being open to exploring one's identity outside of societal norms and embracing non-conformist behaviors and attitudes. As such, it has become an increasingly visible aspect of society in recent years, with more people feeling comfortable coming out and expressing themselves publicly.
This visibility comes with its own set of challenges for queer professionals who must navigate tensions between authenticity, visibility, and career safety. In this article, I will explore these tensions and provide tips for navigating them effectively.
Authenticity vs Visibility
The first tension that queer professionals face is between authenticity and visibility. On one hand, they want to be true to their identities and live authentically, but on the other hand, they also want to be seen as professionals in their field. This can create conflict when their personal lives clash with their professional roles.
If a queer professional has a partner of the same sex, they may feel pressure to keep their relationship private at work to avoid being judged or discriminated against. At the same time, they may feel like hiding their partnership goes against their sense of authenticity and self-expression. Similarly, if a transgender person chooses not to use their chosen name and pronouns at work, they may feel like they are not living truthfully, even though doing so could put their job security at risk.
Tips for Navigating Authenticity vs Visibility
To navigate this tension successfully, queer professionals should consider how important each aspect (authenticity and visibility) is to them. They should ask themselves whether the risks of staying closeted outweigh the benefits of remaining safe in their careers. If they decide to come out or express themselves openly, they should do it carefully and strategically, considering the potential impact on their employer's perceptions and relationships with coworkers.
They might choose to share information only with trusted colleagues or during appropriate times such as Pride Month celebrations.
They should understand that there may be consequences for coming out and be prepared to handle them gracefully.
Career Safety vs Visibility
The second tension queer professionals face is between career safety and visibility. On one hand, they want to protect their jobs and careers but on the other hand, they want to be seen as valuable contributors who can bring unique perspectives and experiences to their teams. This tension can manifest itself when queer professionals feel pressure from colleagues or superiors to downplay their identities or remain quiet about controversial issues.
A gay man may hesitate to speak up about LGBTQ+ rights issues because he fears retaliation from conservative coworkers. At the same time, he wants to use his voice to advocate for equality.
Tips for Navigating Career Safety vs Visibility
To navigate this tension successfully, queer professionals should weigh the risks of speaking out against the rewards of doing so. They should assess whether the risk is worth taking and consider how much support they have from colleagues and allies within their organization. They should also develop an action plan for handling backlash if necessary, including seeking support from HR or legal departments or finding another job if needed.
They should try to find spaces where their voices are more valued and respected, such as in affinity groups or community organizations.
How do queer professionals navigate tensions between authenticity, visibility, and career safety?
Queer professionals have long struggled with balancing their identities against what is expected of them at work. While many companies are becoming more inclusive of gender and sexual orientation, there is still a significant amount of stigma and discrimination that can be experienced by those who choose to express themselves authentically.