Being an out GLBT person at work is a dichotomy of both relief and worry. When it comes to ones actions there are certain pitfalls that one should do their best to avoid. While society has come quite far in its acceptance of out GLBT individuals in the workplace, it is important to remember a few rules that will help you avoid uncomfortable situations and have the best experience when you begin a new job.
1) College is in the Past
Beginning a job right out of college presents a learning curve for every worker. Learning the appropriate behavior in the work setting is alike for each individual, GLBT or otherwise. However, for GLBT people there are extra problems- when do I come out and how?
It is most important to remember one thing, you were hired to do a job, not to broadcast your private life at the job. This is the mistake of many GLBTers who come out of college, where many learned to get comfortable with themselves and have gotten used to making a special announcement identifying themselves as such. While it is your right to be proud of who you are, it is inappropriate in the corporate setting to make a special announcement of one's sexual preference. In most cases your co-workers will not mind. Despite this fact, as a new worker you must mimic the workplace behavior of your straight counterparts.
The fact of the matter is this- straight workers do not announce their sexual orientation to the company. Other employees know this information through other non-verbal signs, or through semi-verbal signs such as the straight worker's mention of his or her wife or husband, for example.
Keep in mind that you should not go back in the closet when you begin working (if you are not in a state that does not have GLBT anti-discrimination laws) there will be people who talk to you and ask you personal questions regarding wife and children. The best advice is to answer truthfully, if you are a man or woman with a partner, you can mention that you have a same sex partner, all the while not treating it as though it is anything our of the ordinary.
Additionally, if you are someone who really wants to let people know your sexual orientation without the "I need to let you know something about myself so that you will not think that I have been dishonest with you" talk, you can mention how you engage with your partner in activities outside of work (gardening, eating out, volunteer work etc). This provides a very unobtrusive and non-abrasive flow of information to a colleague.
2) Know that you are to be respected and treated equally among your straight counterparts.
Recently, a friend of mine found himself in an uncomfortable situation in which several women at his company had decided to 'make him one of the girls.' While this is up to each person individually, there is the chance that either women or other GLBTers will feel it necessary to consult you on all things not work related. These colleagues will ask you about your personal life and many times volunteer details from their own personal lives.
This kind of behavior is according to many harassment trainings inappropriate behavior. Thus, steps should be taken to correct the issue so that you feel comfortable in the company environment and that other people, however well intentioned, do not overstep their bounds.
If faced with this issue, it is important to explicitly tell the person that you do not want to bring your personal life into the workplace. But, if you do, please bear in mind that speaking on certain matters at work, namely sexual escapades or the cutest person in the office, is quite inappropriate and could potentially lead to a sexual harassment complaint.
3) Follow the corporate rules.
When starting any new job it is important to listen, work hard, learn more and avoid talking as much as possible so that you can learn from your corporate trainers. Show that you are dedicated to the company and that you are the best person for the position. Doing this and adding value to a team will ensure that you will gain respect and become integrated into the team more quickly.
4) If there is any type of harassment directed toward you, report it.
There are too many instances of GLBT workers being targets for inappropriate behavior. If you are treated in a way that could be construed as harassment according to your company's harassment policies, it is your duty to report it to either your manager, or to HR.Harassment is never appropriate.
Working in the corporate world does present specifically identifiable issue for the GLBT worker, however, respecting oneself goes quite a long way, and separating ones work life from private life is a very important aspect of success.
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