DIVERSITY BRIEFINGS – SEXUAL ORIENTATION

The Graduate’s Perspective

Definitions

Sexual Orientation: Sexual orientation is defined as an orientation towards people of the same sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes. The definition of sexual orientation does not include sexual practices – for example, sadomasochism.

Disclosure

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) students often question whether to reveal personal information, such as sexuality and family life, at the application stage or when they start work.

This is a very personal decision that may affect your career prospects, relationships at work and attitudes towards an employer. There is no legal obligation to disclose sexual orientation.

Specific Issues

Legislation

The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003

The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 outlaw discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in workplaces throughout Britain . They cover all aspects of employment from recruitment, through pay and working conditions to dismissal.

The law protects people from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. It covers orientations towards people of the same sex, people of the opposite sex, or people of both sexes. Thus it protects lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and heterosexuals in employment and vocational training. It does not permit:

Direct discrimination – treating people less favourably than others due to their sexual orientation.
Indirect discrimination – applying a practice which disadvantages people of a particular sexual orientation which is not justified in objective terms.
Harassment – unwanted behaviour that creates an intimidating or offensive environment.
Victimisation – treating people less favourably because of action they have taken under the legislation – for example if someone had made a formal complaint of discrimination.

The law also covers perceptions of sexual orientation. Thus it protects people who are assumed – rightly or wrongly – to be of a particular sexual orientation.

Finding Positive Employers

Many employers go to great lengths to advertise their support of LGB rights and diversify their workforce. An indication of an employer’s LGB-friendliness can be seen from the following:

Participation in diversity initiatives on-campus or in your locality.
An equal opportunities policy which refers to sexual orientation.
A diversity officer in post.
Procedures in place in the event of harassment.
A LGB employees network.

The Careers for Queers Handbook profiles major graduate recruiters and assesses their employment policies with regard to LGB students. Copies are available in most careers services.

Getting a Job

Show that you are enthusiastic and have a passion for the job and the company you are applying to.
Work out what core competencies the organisation is looking for and then relate them to your education and experience (work and/or other interests).
Make sure you show yourself in the best possible light. Research each application thoroughly and present it carefully. Quality is preferable to quantity.
Try to develop the skills employers want through gaining work experience (paid or voluntary) and by getting involved in a variety of activities.
Think about targeting those employers who are actively wishing to recruit you and take advantage of any initiatives that may be available.

Make sure you take full advantage of the assistance available from your University Careers Service.

Resources

GO Wales is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

ACAS: The Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service. Aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations.
Armed Forces Lesbian and Gay Association
Consortium of lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgendered voluntary and community organisations
DTI: The Department for Trade and Industry.
Fusion: The University of Westminster’s Career and Student Employment diversity website.
Lavender X: Jobs with gay and gay-friendly employers.
Lesbian and Gay Police Association
Prospects: Information on a wide range of careers issues
Stonewall: Civil rights group working for legal equality and social justice.
TIGER: Tailored Interactive Guidance on Employment Rights. Designed to provide a user-friendly guide through different aspects of UK employment law.
The Gay Business Association