How to “Come Out” in the Workplace

On Monday, Sports Illustrated posted an article on its website in which Jason Collins shares, "I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay."  I thought, really?  It is difficult to believe this is a milestone just achieved in 2013. Some say that America and many parts of the world have made significant progress in accepting LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) individuals. Most large corporations in the U.S. have equal-opportunity policies for LGBT, including domestic-partnership benefits. Some companies have instituted LGBT Employee Resource Groups as a means of support. However, it is still a challenge in the workplace for many

LGBT employees.  When it is right to come out?  Is it safe to come out?  How do you come out?  

Reasons So Many Remain in the Closet

Sexual preference is a highly personal matter; people have the right to keep their home life private. Fear of retaliation and other related concerns keep many from “coming out.” In the workplace, a person might fear discrimination, being passed by for a promotion, being excluded socially, or being harassed. The burden of completely hiding one’s personal life in the office can take a toll on the spirit. That leads to lying or avoiding discussions. It also means the absence of a partner’s picture on a desk.

Are Out Employees More Successful?

In a study released this year, “The Power of “Out” 2.0: LGBT in the Workplace” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett, Todd Sears, Karen Sumberg, and Christina Fargnoli, it is reported that 41% of American LGBT workers remain closeted at the office. According the study, LGBT employees that are “out” in a truly inclusive workplace are more productive and have longer tenure with their employer. This is because they feel accepted, valued, and comfortable in the workplace.  These employees aspire to achieve more because they feel they are presented with greater opportunities.

Upside of Being Out

There is no longer a need to be mysterious or secretive. Out employees can be themselves at work, which leads to greater understanding, trusting working relationships, and open friendships with co-workers.

How to Come Out

Not every workplace is an ideal environment for coming out. Think carefully before you decide if and when you are ready to come out. When you decide, reach out to someone who is LGBT or LGBT-friendly. Before any announcements, give some signals.  Signals may include a car sticker or mentioning LGBT TV shows. If and when you do decide to share information with others, I recommend a casual approach. A relationship that makes you happy is something for which you should be proud. You will likely find that others will be happy for you!

It is time for all of us to create an environment where everyone feels safe and confident to be open in the workplace. For some that means coming out. For others, it is about being accepting of others and valuing diversity. Jason Collins is an example of someone who waited for years to share his sexual identity with his employer, co-workers, and friends.  It must be a great feeling of liberation and to be out in the open!  Kudos to Jason Collins for his courage to break the silence and break the LGBT barrier in the NBA.