Microaggression experiences in the workplace among Greek LGB social workers

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the workplace discrimination LGB social workers experience in Greece. All participants reported an array of microaggressions, committed mostly by colleagues. Microaggressions are subtle forms of discrimination, intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile or derogatory messages. Participants employed a variety of coping strategies: remaining passive, confronting the enactor of the microaggression and being self-protective. Their cognitive reactions ranged from accepting microaggressions as a part of LGB person’s life to empowering themselves and talking back to perpetrators or even coming out if they had been in the closet. Implications for anti-discrimination workplace policies and social work are discussed.

Keywords:

• Heterosexism
• LGB social workers
• microaggressions
• sexual orientation
• workplace discrimination

Notes

1 Heteronormativity is the idea that heterosexual attraction and relationships are the normal form of sexuality (Barker, 2014).

2 The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 European countries. The “EU28” includes the United Kingdom, which left the Union in 2020.

3 Directives from the European Union Council establish expectations that must be achieved by EU countries within a prescribed timeframe (usually within 2 years); however, countries may choose how they incorporate directives into national law.

4 Article 28 of the Greek Constitution formally integrates international laws and conventions into Greek law.

5 Although this paper refers to LGB social workers, transgender individuals are referenced here as they were included in these two studies.