How Heterosexist Are Health and Human Services Organizations?: An Exploratory Study of Tolerance in Western New York

Abstract

Heterosexism in HHS and other organizations has deeply affected lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer workers. However, there are positive signs that heterosexism at work is changing. This descriptive, cross-sectional study examined a convenience sample of HHS providers’ (N = 69) perceptions of organizational tolerance for heterosexism. Findings of the study are that these HHS providers perceived low tolerance for heterosexism within their organizations. There were slight differences when the perpetrator of heterosexism was a work supervisor. This article also considers how HHS administrators can foster environments that support the unique contributions of sexual minorities in the workplace.

Keywords:

• employment
• health and human service providers
• heterosexism
• LGBT workers
• work discrimination