7 Things NEVER to Say to LGBT Coworkers & Friends
So what are seven things you should NEVER say to your LGBT colleagues? Here’s what GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), Out & Equal Workplace Project, and PricewaterhouseCoopers executive Stephanie Peel Peel suggest:
No. 1: “I suspected you were gay.”
Although it is a common response, it’s insensitive and plays into stereotypes.
No. 2: “I’m sorry.”
Why should you apologize for a colleague’s orientation? This implies judgment and can make the situation more difficult. Would you apologize for a person’s ethnicity or gender?
No. 3: “Why did you tell me that?”
It’s important for people to bring their “whole selves” to work, and coming out of the closet is certainly a part of who one is. “The notion of leaving a big part of your self at home and walking into work is like walking around with two types of shoes on,” says Selisse Berry, executive director of Out & Equal, an advocacy organization that provides services to companies, human-resource professionals, employee-resource groups and individuals.
No. 4: “Which bathroom do you use?”
Transgender people often are asked what gender they are. Such questions are inappropriate, warns Out & Equal. It is important to remember that gender identity is becoming an increasingly sensitive subject.
No. 5: “We are not close enough for you to share that information with me.”
Not all employees are interested in their coworkers’ personal lives. If you feel a colleague may have shared too much information, you can simply say, “Thank you for telling me that,” says Peel.
No. 6: Referring to coworkers as “she-male.”
There has been a lot of uproar these days over this phrase. Transgender employees often are the brunt of culturally insensitive jokes and comments .( Also strictly avoid local slag words like “Ali”,”Onpothu”,”Ajakku” etc…they are derogatory and cheap to use)
No. 7: “What do you like to do in bed?”
Sexual questions and comments are always off-limits. Not only do you run the risk of offending a colleague, you are also teetering the line of sexual harassment. It’s important not to be confused between trying to understand someone’s personal life and inappropriate sexual harassment, warns Kevin Jennings, executive director of GLSEN.
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References :
DiverysityInc’s article 7 Things NEVER to Say to LGBT Coworkers
by Daryl Hannah
URL : http://diversityinc.com/content/1757/article/3164/?sd=217
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