Employment Discrimination In The LGBT Community

Introduction Employment discrimination is defined by acts that harm or disadvantage employees based on assumptions and stereotypes of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, and age. In 2014, approximately 3% of Canada’s population self-identified as being part of the LGBT community, and the LGBT community experiences more discriminatory acts than the bigger heterosexual group. Sexual minorities are also reported to have higher rates or risks for mental health issues such as, anxiety, depression, and self-harm. The paper argues that the LGBT community is at risk for poor mental health as they experience workplace discrimination due to heteronormativity and negative stereotypes. This social issue is also viewed from the

However, LGBT discrimination (e.g., employment discrimination) is still an ongoing social issue. Various literatures exist to support the argument that sexual minorities are disadvantaged and subject to employment discrimination. This arises from the negative stereotypes and heterosexual dominance, which is linked to poor psychological well-being. According to Mize (2016), the vulnerable group experiences different forms of workplace discrimination such as, job rejection and termination. Other studies have reiterated this finding and expanded the list to include: verbal harassments (e.g., threats, negative comments, and inappropriate jokes), physical harassments, sexual harassments, denial of promotions, and untrue performance appraisals. In addition, Gates and Viggiani (2014) emphasize wage discrimination such that, the incomes of homosexual/bisexual men and women are approximately 10% to 25% and 10% to 30% less than the straight population,

This theory may argue that LGBT discrimination is a way to maintain a functional society. As mentioned previously, heterosexuality is a societal norm and so, non-binary sexualities are labeled as deviant and disruptive to society. Also, because they are taking on different roles other than a straight man and woman, they are unable to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of ‘male’ (e.g., construction workers and military officers) and ‘female’ (e.g., social workers and registered nurses) occupations respectively. Generally, non-heterosexuality is seen as problematic and discriminatory action is argued as a method to restore order in and