Does Our Identity Hinder Our Ability to Succeed?

We hear the horror stories of LGBTQ+ members being fired and discriminated against for simply being LGBTQ+. Just recently, two teachers were bullied into resignation at a catholic school even though students described them as the "best teachers in the world". This unjust world sometimes shows it's true colours and we see a spike in hate crimes against LGBTQ+ members, which constantly questions our existence and abilities.

As a young queer womxn, I hid my sexuality in many working environments to protect myself from discrimination or prejudice. As I started my career, it coincided with coming to terms with my sexuality. Entering the workplace for the very first time whilst coming to grasps with the fact I was a lesbian, it was overwhelming dodging questions about ex boyfriends and potential lovers - to which were all male.

I found myself questioning why it was so important for my colleagues to know every detail about my love life. Surely it’s not that interesting?

I quickly realised after many years of working in different environments that everyone presumed I had a boyfriend, so I allowed them to believe it. In full incognito mode, those around me felt safe to use language towards the LGBTQ+ community which consisted of derogatory slurs, stigmas and stereotypes which were all played off as banter.

“Passing straight” taught me how people hide their lack of education or ignorance around LGBTQ+ topics through “playful banter”. From stereotyping lesbians to mocking non-binary rights, I have seen managers, directors and colleagues participate in discussions that devalue the rights of LGBTQ+ members.

This language of those playing it off as harmless banter, is one of the many reasons LGBTQ+ members find it so hard to reach their true potential at work. Studies have found that workplaces which provide an inclusive workplace have higher rates of productivity, morale and retention of staff. Yet there are many LGBTQ+ individuals having to navigate their career whilst enduring homophobia and discrimination.

Does this negative environment hinder our ability to succeed? We’re discussing a community that has learnt to thrive and grow stronger in environments that discriminate. Whilst the short term effects may deter ambition, in the long run we’re seeing a rise of LGBTQ+ members in managerial roles.

As for myself as a queer womxn, I took all of the negativity and slurs I encountered and turned them into articles. A few years later I now run a Unite UK, a Online LGBTQ+ platform that is seen globally by thousands, a podcast listened to all over the world and I'm a proud team member as well as Social Media Manager at myGwork. My identity just like everyone else's, should never be the reason why we don’t succeed.

We all measure success at different rates, so to help reach your goals we’ve created a cheat list on how to adapt and thrive:

Know your worth

When we hear so much negativity we start to believe these false opinions relating to our gender identity or sexuality. In environments reinforcing this self-doubt, it’s important to remember your worth and what you bring to the table.

Remind yourself constantly that these views do not mirror your ability to succeed, thrive and progress into the career you have chosen.

Put your mental health first

Enduring discriminative comments on a daily basis is emotionally draining, there comes a time where we need to put our own mental health first. This could be in the form of looking for a new job or discussing with HR about reinforcing an LGBTQ+ related education course.

It’s important to be selfish at certain points in our lives. If you feel like you need to take a time out for your health, then it’s important to listen to yourself.

Those looking for guidance we recommend MHFA England, they’re a social enterprise that offers expert guidance and training to support mental health. Their main aim to help improve the mental health of the nation, so please reach out if you require that extra support.

Seek guidance from the LGBTQ+ community

The best advice comes from those who have lived through hardship, at myGwork we have a range of mentors that provide advice, support and guidance in a range of industries and sectors.

Not only does it show that LGBTQ+ members can thrive and succeed great accomplishments, it provides much needed guidance on the next moves in your career. Safe spaces such as myGwork empower the LGBTQ+ community, so people don’t have to fear bringing their whole-self to work anymore.