| Safe Spaces In Work Places |
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| For more information on the work towards workplace equality click here. |
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How Can I Create A Safe Space In The Workplace? Make it clear that jokes, negative comments, and name - calling will not be tolerated in the workplace. Address infractions immediately and ensure employees understand this is a serious issue. Educate yourself and employees on issues faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBiT) people and their loved ones. Always keep questions professional and business - oriented. For example, "what do two men do together?" is not acceptable. Ask, "what can this company do to make your family feel welcome to company events?" Allow GLBiT employees and their loved ones to keep photos of their partners in their office, if it is common practice for heterosexual couples to do so. Ask about life partners as you would ask about a husband or wife. Include life partner’s names on invitations to company events when spouses are invited. Replace the word "spouse" with "significant other." Religious values are as diverse as people. Ensure such values are respected, but the workplace is not the forum to air them, particularly if they are used to hurt someone. Provide sponsorship or donate to charities and organizational groups which aid or support the GLBIT community. Participate in a Pride Parade representing your company, sign up in walkathons to raise money for AIDS research, donate items or money to organizations (these events are not "gay only"). Invite speakers to discuss GLBiT issues at luncheons to educate and inform your employees. Employees will see GLBiT people are "normal" - and as diversified as the heterosexual community. Include GLBiT issues in Diversity classes and workshops. Celebrate Gay Pride Month as you would Women’s History Month or Black History Month. Work together to change company policies discriminating against GLBiT persons & their loved ones. Never try to assume someone’s sexual identity based on looks or behaviors. Stereotypes are myths. Be cognizant that not everyone is heterosexual. Instead of asking, "is your daughter married?" ask, "does your daughter have a significant other?" If a coworker or employee confides they are gay, or they have a gay family member, do not share the information unless they give you permission. Do not use this as gossip. Thank them for their honesty and assure them you know one’s sexuality has nothing to do with job performance. Display the SAFE SPACE logo in your office. GLBIT persons and their loved ones will know diversity is valued and honesty is appreciated, and they can be themselves with you. Be careful not to polarize the issue, treating GLBIT people and their families as "different." Treat everyone with respect, dignity, and equality. Statements such as "you gay people like to cook, don’t you?" singles people out, and all GLBiT people want is to be treated like everyone else: no special rights, just equal rights. |
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