Twelve Actions You Can Take To Make Workplace Cultures More Inclusive of Gays and Lesbians

1. Don’t assume that coworkers, customers, or suppliers are heterosexual.
2. Ask openly gay and lesbian coworkers to tell you about their lives as often as you ask your straight coworkers.
3. Let coworkers know that you won’t tolerate even subtle forms of discrimination or harassment in the workplace.
4. Respond to anti-gay jokes by saying, “That’s not OK.”
5. Specifically invite coworkers’ same-sex partners to company events, travel, etc. where traditionally spouses are included.
6. Encourage coworkers to point out policies, practices, or training that treat employees or customers differently based on their sexual orientation.
7. Put the word out that if people have to hide who they are, they will be wasting time and energy that could be spent contributing to their work.
8. Know and understand company policies that pertain to sexual orientation: non-discrimination, non-harassment, etc.
9. Use National Coming Out Day (October 11) to acknowledge the contributions of your lesbian and gay coworkers.
10. Route business and news articles about gay and lesbian workplace issues to your coworkers.
11. Keep your management informed of the contributions of your lesbian and gay coworkers.
12. Join GlobalAge and encourage your coworkers to do the same.

Adapted from Bob Powers, “Manager’s Guide to Sexual Orientation in the Workplace”, Routledge, 1995.