LGBTQ+ People Belong at Work
For many LGBTQ+ employees, the vision of showing up as authentically as we want in order to do our best work, helping our organizations succeed, has historically felt far away and inaccessible.
Today, however, something significant has changed. In a 6-3 Supreme Court decision, LGBTQ+ workers in the United States are now protected from job discrimination.
The ruling said Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which makes it illegal for employers to discriminate because of a person’s sex, also covers sexual orientation and gender identity.
At a moment in time when businesses are struggling with how to unravel systemic racism and respond to COVID-19, this decision is most welcomed and heartening. It helps us build belonging at work.
Our Work Continues
While it’s tempting to believe this monumental decision signals that we have achieved LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace, the reality is that our work is just beginning. For example:
Healthcare Protections. On the Anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre, the Trump Administration rescinded critical civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people in the ACA.
Gaps in Protections. It is still legal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in federally funded programs, including hospitals, colleges, and adoption agencies.
Public Accommodations. It is still legal to discriminate against women and LGBTQ+ people in public accommodations including hotels and restaurants.
Congress has the power to bridge these gaps through passage of the Equality Act. This legislation is supported by hundreds of major businesses, and it provides clear and consistent LGBTQ+ protections.
Yet Congress alone will not transform your organization’s culture. That is where you, and fellow business leaders, visionaries, and change agents, play a critical role. We need you to take the next steps.
What you Can Do
In an effort to build more welcoming, inclusive, and affirming workplace cultures for your employees, including those who are LGBTQ+, consider taking the following actions:
Join the Coalition. Has your organization joined the Business Coalition for the Equality Act? If you aren’t a member, join other successful businesses by publicly stating your support.
Get Educated. Want to learn more about how to build belonging in your workplace for employees least likely to feel a sense of safety or trust? Register for the FREE Belonging Summit.
Know Your Culture. Have you ever conducted a LGBTQ+ culture audit in your organization? Curious to learn what more you can do? Book a consult with us and get started today.
Want More? Learn how to center those most vulnerable in your workplace by registering for our next Belonging Community call. We’ll discuss how to center racial justice this Pride Season.
At 4pm PT / 7pm ET, we will join a virtual national rally with other LGBTQ+ leaders and allies from across the country and those who led the fight for these cases.
Immediately after the rally, a panel of experts will discuss the court's opinion and offer analysis of its potential effects. You are welcome to attend both events. Learn more at www.decisionday.org.
