UK 
United States
June marks Pride Month around the world; an event that not only celebrates LGBT+ people, but one that pushes for greater awareness and equality for individuals from within the community. However, HR should be aware that, despite events such as Pride Month, the workplace can still be a daunting and hostile prospect for members of the LGBT+ community – especially when coming out.
For example, the results of a survey by HRC Foundation, which polled employees across the nation, found that 46% of LGBT+ people remain closeted at their workplaces for fear of being verbally or physically abused as a result. What’s more, the research found that this percentage has largely remained unchanged for the past decade.
Elsewhere, research conducted by leading UK-based LGBT+ rights charity Stonewall polled 3,213 LGBT+ employees and found that this percentage rises to a shocking 51% for staff that identify as trans. And, nearly two in five bi people aren’t out to anyone at work.
And whilst the various reasons that employees have declined to come out at work may well be complex, it seems that one key concern is the disturbing prevalence of bullying to which they become susceptible. Almost one in five have been the target of negative comments or conduct from work colleagues in the last year because they are LGBT+.
