Discrimination affects many employees across Indiana, but research shows that LGBTQ workers face a disproportionately high risk of falling victim to discrimination in the workplace. Many LGBTQ workers also face employment bias on a frequent basis, and some also face sexual or physical harassment in the places where they work.
Per NBC News, a study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law revealed that 46% of the nation’s LGBTQ workforce has faced some type of job discrimination during their careers.
Discrimination and LGBTQ workers
LGBTQ workers involved in the study faced many types of workplace discrimination and adverse treatment. About 9% said they lost their jobs, or lost out on jobs, within the past 12 months as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity. More than a quarter of LGBTQ workers involved in the study also reported having experienced sexual harassment during their careers. 20% said they were the victims of physical harassment due to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Discrimination and LGBTQ workers of color
The study also showed that LGBTQ workers of color are even more frequent victims of workplace discrimination. Almost 30% of workers who fall into both categories have experienced workplace discrimination in comparison with 18% of white LGBTQ workers. Furthermore, 36% of LGBTQ workers of color said they had experienced verbal harassment at work compared to 26% of white LGBTQ workers.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination of virtually all types when an employer has at least 15 individuals working under him or her.
