Queerness is an integral part of many people's identity. It involves their sexual orientation, gender expression, and relationship style. Someone who identifies as queer might be gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, nonbinary, agender, asexual, demisexual, polyamorous, kinky, or any combination of these labels. They may also experience discrimination due to their sexuality or gender. Queer employees navigate various workplace environments that are heteronormative. This means that they face difficulties in integrating their authentic self into the professional space.
Let's explore what it means to be authentic at work. Being authentic means being true to oneself and expressing one's real thoughts, feelings, and actions consistently. When someone feels free to show up genuinely, they are more likely to perform well and contribute positively to teamwork.
Queer workers often struggle with this concept because it conflicts with professionalism.
If they share their queer identity too openly at work, they risk facing homophobia or transphobia from coworkers or clients. This can lead to bullying, exclusion, or even termination. On the other hand, if they hide their identity, they feel silenced and disconnected from themselves, which affects their mental health. So, how do queer individuals handle this tension? How do they stay authentic while maintaining professionalism?
One way to manage this dilemma is by creating a safe space for yourself. Find supportive colleagues within your organization who understand the challenges you face and respect your boundaries. You can ask them for advice on navigating difficult situations involving clients or coworkers who do not accept diversity. It would help if you also joined online communities where people share similar experiences. There are many groups for LGBTQ+ professionals where members discuss strategies for coping with discrimination in the workplace. Another strategy is using pronouns that accurately reflect your gender identity. Some companies encourage employees to use pronouns when introducing themselves, but others don't explicitly allow it. In such cases, consider adding 'they/them' after your name so that everyone knows you identify as nonbinary.
Make sure to practice self-care regularly to stay emotionally stable despite external pressures. Talk to a therapist, meditate, exercise, or engage in other activities that boost your well-being. By taking care of yourself, you become more resilient against stressors at work and improve productivity.
Queerness is a complex topic that requires nuanced understanding. Queer workers must navigate various societal attitudes towards sexual orientation and gender expression. They need to find ways to balance authenticity with professionalism without compromising either aspect of their lives. By building strong relationships with allies, being vocal about their pronouns, and practicing self-care, queer individuals can thrive at work while embracing their true selves.
How do queer employees navigate the tension between authenticity and professionalism?
Queer employees may feel a strong sense of authenticity when they are able to openly express their identity at work, but this can sometimes conflict with expectations for professional behavior and presentation. On one hand, some companies may have policies that prohibit certain behaviors or expressions related to gender, sexuality, or other identities, while on the other hand, queer individuals may want to be true to themselves by expressing their identities in ways that feel natural to them.