Gender, sex and sexuality Equality and diversity in the workplace
The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you on the basis of:
- gender reassignment
- sex
- sexual orientation.
In the recruitment process it's up to you to decide what to disclose to an employer and when. If you display the required skills for the job, you should expect a recruiter to give you fair consideration. Make use of support networks and look for employers with good equal opportunities policies if you are concerned that this is an issue.
Gender reassignment
Transitioning and being transgender in the workplace can be difficult. Half of trans people have hidden their LGBT identity in their workplace for fear of discrimination (Stonewall, 2018).
You have the protected characteristic of reassignment if you:
- are proposing to undergo a reassignment of our sex
- are undergoing a reassignment of your sex
- have undergone a process (or part of a process) of reassigning your sex.
Surgical and physiological changes aren't required. The Equality Act also covers changes to other attributes of sex, such as your gender presentation.
Websites such as TransUnite can help you find support groups.
Sex
Societal expectations, biases, and stereotypes about your sex can impact your career. These could make it harder to break into certain roles or gain promotions.
Employers are increasingly recognising these issues and developing measures to tackle them. Campaigns like Business in the Community are driving this change. Both men and women are subject to gender roles and stereotyping. This often most impacts women in professional and STEM roles. Use organisations such as Where Women Work to connect with progressive employers. You should also look out for groups that support women in specific sectors, like engineering.
IT appealed to me, despite the perception that there were more males in the industry. That’s partly the reason I wanted to make a difference and join, so that I could help make it more equal. I’d particularly like to work with younger girls to support them getting into the industry.
Phoebe, OU student
Sexual orientation
Over a third of LGBTQ+ people feel they need to hide who they are at work (Stonewall, 2018). If you’re worrying about being open with your employer and colleagues, you can't be as productive or happy at work.
Attitudes are changing. Groups like Stonewall's Diversity Champions Programme have helped thousands of employers foster inclusive cultures. They recorded a webinar for OU students explaining the work they do.
Workplace Ally networks can help you find support and connect with LGBTQ+ colleagues. OU students can watch our Ally Networks webinar to learn more.
