LGBT+ Spotlight: Coming Out At Work
You don’t have to come out to anyone, including work colleagues. If you wish to, we have some advice for you below.
Sexuality
Coming out as Bi, Pan, Lesbian, Ace, Gay or any other identity at work probably won’t need to be a dedicated conversation. It might just be you mentioning your partner in passing, or that you’re part of your company’s LGBTQIA+ network.
People might assume that you are straight, and could be surprised when you correct them, especially if you’re Bi or Pan and they know about people of the opposite gender you’ve dated in the past. That doesn’t mean they won’t be totally accepting of you and your identity, and they might be a bit embarrassed that they made the assumption in the first place. My top tip is to keep the conversion moving and don’t dwell on what might have been an awkward moment.
Remember: you don’t have to come out to anyone, including work colleagues, if you don’t want to!
Gender identity
Coming out as trans or non-binary might look a bit different, especially if you want to present yourself differently to better align with your gender. To ensure your gender is affirmed by your colleagues and others, it’s worth talking to your line manager/HR, or someone you trust at your company, to discuss what changes you want to happen. If your company has an LGBTQIA+ network, they’ll be able to support you as well.
Policies / processes
It’s becoming increasingly common for organisations to have specific policies that support trans and non-binary people in the work place. This will explain what you can expect from your company, line manager and HR, and what processes you need to follow to access support. For example, changing your name or gender on systems, changing your email address or notifying colleagues / clients of your name or pronouns. This could help you decide what next steps you want to take
Tips for having a conversation with your line manager
Think about what you want to happen next (do you want them to tell other people on your behalf? Do you want them / your team to use different pronouns or a different name for you?)
If telling them face to face (or on video) is making you feel really nervous, consider writing them an email instead, with a follow up conversation in person
It’s not your responsibility to educate them, if you don’t want to. LGBT+ charities such as Stonewall have plenty of information available The truth about trans (stonewall.org.uk)
