Things to consider and understand about LGBTQ employees
LGBT people are more introverts and don’t get involved in general communications too quickly or frequently since people usually comment which sometimes makes them visibly squirmy. The workplace should be more LGBTQ-friendly so that everyone there can feel relaxed and easy. Here are some of the things which people of the LGBTQ community desire and expect the workplaces should know and incorporate the same.
Don’t repeat the conversation about their private life: Even if LGBTQ colleague openly talks to you and share things about their private life doesn’t mean that they will talk about it again. Such people usually don’t open up themselves and share their private life in heat of the moment. Frequently asking them about their personal and private life make them feel awkward and anxious. So, try to manage conversation by giving space to your employees.
Avoid Matchmaking: Finding a match to set your LGBTQ employee with another one within the same community makes them feel neglected. Even if you have good intentions, your colleague doesn’t feel the same since they prefer to look for their partner on their own. So, avoid matchmaking the two people of the same community by putting in your efforts.
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Make a comfortable zone: If your LGBTQ colleague is comfortable with you in sharing concerns and having healthy conversations, doesn’t mean that he/she is comfortable with other acquaintances in your network. Before initiating any conversation, try to make a comfort zone and ask them if they are alright and want to discuss things.
Don’t share your assumptions: Don’t share your perception and assumptions about LGBTQ people with the people of their community as it hurts them. Sharing assumptions or commenting badly hurts their sentiments and equips them with a feeling of guilt. Avoid conversation that hurts their sentiments and makes them feel weird.
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Use pronouns to identify them: People in the LGBTQ community identify themselves as queer since sometimes they remain unsure about their sexual orientations and don’t want themselves to be labelled in a specific orientation. If you don’t understand how to identify and recognize them then, privately ask about their pronouns and call them accordingly. Using pronouns is a symbol of respect and makes them feel respected.
These are some of the most important yet general things which LGBTQ people expect to be incorporated at workplaces.
