Assessing the relationship between outness at work and stigma consciousness among LGB workers in the Midwest and the resulting implications for counselors

Abstract

Employment discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals is a significant social problem. In a variety of occupational settings, LGB workers experience employment-based harassment and discrimination. Work is an important aspect of life for the majority of the population, yet many LGB workers are prevented from fully participating in job-related activities and are inhibited from career advancement opportunities due to existing social stigmas. This problem contributes to a stigma consciousness among LGB workers and affects their decision to be “out” at work. This descriptive study examines the experiences of stigma consciousness and outness among 215 LGB people living in a large Midwest city. The findings suggest a marginal relationship between outness and stigma consciousness; however, the results indicate the need for a change in social policy and the importance of the counseling practice in combating stigma consciousness, which are explored here.

Keywords:

• stigma consciousness
• outness
• employment
• LGB workers
• counseling psychology