PapersOwl Research Reveals Insights on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace

Wilmington, DE - As Pride Month unfolds, PapersOwl’s latest survey dives deep into the intersectionality of workplace inclusion, specifically focusing on the LGBTQ+ community. The comprehensive survey of 2,000 LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18-34 across the U.S. offers valuable insights into the realities LGBTQ+ employees face today.

The Intersectionality of Workplace Inclusivity

In today’s corporate world, inclusion goes beyond surface-level diversity. True inclusion requires an understanding of how overlapping identities affect employees’ experiences. The research, conducted by PapersOwl, highlights the significant impact of intersectionality, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

"Our data shows that intersectionality plays a crucial role in how LGBTQ+ individuals experience the workplace," explains Oryna Shestakova, Head of Communications at PapersOwl. "The experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color differ significantly from their white counterparts, and this survey helps illuminate those differences."

Key Findings

The survey reveals compelling trends:

• 45% of LGBTQ+ individuals prioritize LGBTQ+ friendliness when choosing an employer, emphasizing the importance of inclusive work environments.
  
• For LGBTQ+ people of color, willingness to come out at work isn’t always tied to personal comfort with their LGBTQ+ identity. This contrasts with white LGBTQ+ individuals, where openness often correlates with personal comfort levels.
  
• 26% of respondents reported being asked to “tone down” their queerness at work, signaling ongoing challenges in authentic self-expression.
  
• The survey also showed that LGBTQ+ women face a stark disparity in representation at leadership levels. Although LGBTQ+ women make up 5.1% of the U.S. workforce, only 0.6% hold senior leadership roles, pointing to compounded gender and LGBTQ+ discrimination.
  

The Reality of Intersectionality in the Workplace

The concept of intersectionality—first coined by sociologist Kimberle Crenshaw—explains how various aspects of a person’s identity, such as race, gender, and sexuality, intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege. 

For disabled LGBTQ+ individuals, the employment rate is nearly twice as low compared to their able-bodied peers. This is a stark reminder of the added layers of discrimination faced by individuals at these intersections.

Transparency, Safety, and Authenticity

The study also highlights significant challenges related to transparency and safety in the workplace. A notable 24% of respondents reported refusing to disclose their LGBTQ+ identity, fearing potential backlash or discrimination. Additionally, 26% reported being pressured to conceal their LGBTQ+ identity by "toning down" their queerness at work, which raises concerns about authenticity and psychological safety.

Shestakova concludes, "It’s crucial to create safe spaces where employees can be their authentic selves without fear of retribution. Real inclusivity requires ongoing action and the courage to embrace intersectionality fully."

For more information and to view the full report, visit here.

A Few Words About PapersOwl

PapersOwl is a writing platform dedicated to empowering students with a variety of academic resources. It offers tools such as plagiarism checkers, thesis statement generators, personalized support, and professional writing and proofreading. PapersOwl is committed to helping students navigate their academic challenges with quality, originality, and timely delivery.