IN or OUT in the Workplace?
Experiences of LGBT Professionals in the Workplace
New York, NY (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 4, 2009 -- “Should I be IN or OUT in the Workplace?” is a common question that many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) professionals ask themselves. Making this decision is the topic of an upcoming UMass Amherst Alumni Association Career Connections program that will take place at In The Life Media in New York City on May 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Brett-Genny Janiczek Beemyn, one of the country’s leading experts on the experiences of transgender people and the development of transgender-inclusive policies and practices commented that, “These kinds of events are critical because LGBT professionals face unique challenges in the job market and in the workplace that are rarely addressed in more general workshops and events about employment and career planning.”
In some cases, more complex issues come into play for LGBT professionals as they progress through their career. For many, their sexual orientation is such an integral part of their identity, that to remain closeted in the workplace would seem false. Others might prefer to maintain separation between their personal and professional lives, only sharing information about their orientation with close friends.
“For lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, common issues are whether and to what extent to be ‘out’ about one's sexual orientation, and how to address personal and institutional instances of anti-LGB prejudice. For transsexual people, a common issue is how to manage a gender transition while on the job, or whether and to what extent to be ‘out’ about one's past, if they have already transitioned. With fewer companies providing workplace protections for transgender people than for LGB people, and with a great deal of bias and ignorance about transgender people, they also encounter high rates of employment discrimination,” said Dr. Beemyn.
Colleen Condon, the associate director for alumni career programs with the UMass Amherst Alumni Association, said, “The Alumni Association strives to deliver value to alumni by offering a variety of in-person and online career-related events. This year, we have added new programs and resources for our alumni to help them with the current economic and employment crisis.” In addition to programs like this one, the UMass Amherst Alumni Association provides an online career center for students and alumni, providing resources and tools for career development, career transitions and employment.
The panel will include two UMass Amherst alumni and the Director of the UMass Amherst Stonewall Center, Dr. Brett-Genny Janiczek Beemyn, who will share their own perspectives based upon years of personal and professional experiences as LGBT employees and supervisors. The format of the program is interactive, where questions and discussion will enhance the collective experience. Everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information on IN or OUT in the Workplace? contact Colleen Condon at colleenc @ admin.umass.edu or call 800-456-8627.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Alumni Association represents over 215,000 alumni around the globe, and provides programs and services to enlighten, strengthen and develop students, faculty, staff and alumni. For more information, go to UMassAlumni.com.
Media Contact:
Norma Heim
413-577-0312
njheim @ admin.umass.edu
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