9781422275252

Introduction As an LGBTQ individual, navigating the professional work environment can be tricky. If you are working in an area that is conservative, or you fear retaliation if people find out you are not straight, working in a new company can be a daunting experience. When you stay true to who you are, develop strong personal boundaries, and learn how to use social media responsibly, you should be able to live your life as you choose to, without fear of being fired for who you are. Unfortunately, for people living in half of the states, you can still be fired for being gay. There’s no reason you are obligated to come out at work, and for many people, keeping their LGBTQ status private is the answer. While you aren’t ashamed of who you are, this doesn’t mean you have to share your personal life with anyone. You don’t have to come out, but in certain situations you may feel comfortable sharing your LGBTQ status. In states where the rights of LGBTQ people are protected, it may be much easier for you to feel confident in coming out to coworkers. Coming out at work is a personal decision and one that you can make when the time is right. Social media are great ways to see what your friends and family are up to, but they are also mine fields for those who are trying to keep their LGBTQ status private. Pay attention to your privacy settings, knowing that you don’t have to friend everyone who wants to be your friend on social media. Learn what your company has for a social media policy. It is always best to avoid friending anyone from your work environment until you find out what your company’s exact policy is. Some companies don’t allow supervisors to be friends on social media with the people they supervise. In general, this is a good rule of thumb to follow. When you supervise people, you don’t want them to have access to your personal life through social media, even if your company allows it. You spend a lot of time with people at work, and social media should be used to relax and enjoy your time away from work.

8 LGBTQ at Work • Your Personal and Working Life