Sexual Orientation at Work

Recent Clients:

• U.S. Department of Defense/U.S. Navy (Naval Facilities Northwest)
  • Bangor, WA October-November, 2015/March, 2016
  • Bremerton, WA October-November, 2015/March 2016
  • Whidbey Island, WA March, 2016
  • Everett, WA March, 201

This four-hour workshop focuses on one of the most challenging differences affecting people and work environments in the 21st Century – sexual orientation. Instructed with sensitivity to regional and religious differences, this workshop offers activities and learning modules that help participants recognize the deeply personal conflicts that emerge when gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) coworkers are identified at work – by self-disclosure or as the consequence of an deliberate or unintentional exposure.

In addition to learning a brief history of the gay and lesbian rights in the United States, activities focus on the how issues about sexual orientation are often heightened or challenged in a work environment through photographs, conversations about spouses, partners, and family members. Photographs on a desk may lead to perceptions and friction among even the closest colleagues.

Case studies allow all participants, regardless of sexual orientation, to grapple with and consider realistic scenarios. Managers are given ways to assess the comfort level of employees in their work environment (as well as their own) in order to determine the extent to which ALL employees are able to meet their fullest potential at work without regard to sexual orientation. The use of a panel of local LGBTQ experts is a program option. Panel members would discuss the legal, human resources, and productivity implications of ongoing (real or perceived) harassment resulting from alleged sexual orientation issues.

A panel of local LGBTQ experts is a program option. Panel members discuss the legal, human resources, and productivity implications of ongoing (real or perceived) harassment resulting from alleged sexual orientation issues.

For a list of related terms, click on the tab for Transgender Issues Training.