Shocking number of LGBTQ+ people not out at work, new research shows

A new report by Stonewall has revealed that nearly 40 percent of LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK remain closeted at work due to “fear of discrimination.” Released on Friday, January 31st, the report finds that two in five (39 percent) queer employees feel the need to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace. Additionally, more than a quarter (26 percent) of LGBTQ+ people have faced negative remarks from customers or clients because of their identity.

According to ‘MSN’, the report also notes that nearly a third (31 percent) of LGBTQ+ employees believe they cannot be themselves at work, with over half (53 percent) of these individuals having faced discrimination. Furthermore, nearly a third (31 percent) would not feel comfortable reporting instances of homophobic or biphobic bullying or harassment.

The research highlights that 12 percent of LGBTQ+ employees feel they were unfairly dismissed due to their identity, an act that constitutes illegal discrimination in the UK.

According to the LGBTQ+ organisation, these alarming statistics serve as a “stark reminder of why inclusion matters more than ever,” especially as some organisations are retracting their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in light of recent executive orders by U.S.A. President Donald Trump.

Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, stated, “Our latest research comes at a time where LGBTQ+ rights are in the spotlight. Many LGBTQ+ people and their allies are concerned about the global challenges to established rights.”

Blake emphasised that organisations must uphold their commitment to equality and inclusion, saying, “There is not only a moral case but a clear business case for this. The LGBTQ+ population is growing and is vital to our workplaces and society. When employees feel safe to be themselves, they are more engaged and productive, benefiting the bottom line.”

He added, “Everyone deserves equal treatment at work and assurance that they will not face abuse, harassment, or unfair treatment.”

Stonewall expressed concerns regarding Trump’s rollback on DEI initiatives and also criticised Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for cutting its inclusion programs.

In early January, Meta faced backlash for an update that removed LGBTQ+ protections, allowing users to label queer individuals as “mentally ill” and “freaks.” This included the elimination of fact-checkers and moderation by Meta.

Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO and president of LGBTQ+ charity GLAAD, commented that Meta’s updates give “the green light for people to target LGBTQ+ individuals, women, immigrants, and other marginalized groups with violence, vitriol, and dehumanizing narratives.”

She added, “With these changes, Meta is continuing to normalise anti-LGBTQ hatred for profit, at the expense of its users and true freedom of expression.”