homophobia in the workplace NEED HELP!

[cocksucker4use]

I'd make it a little more formal than verbal reports to the manager and HR. Clearly, this is falling on deaf ears.

Complain in writing. Document specific examples (but exclude names). If nothing is done, at least you have a paper trail to take to your lawyers so that they can take proper action and have written evidence to back up your efforts to try and resolve the matter amicably.

Unfortunately, even if you succeed in litigation and are compensated, it is unlikely you'll be able to remain in your present job.

All this, and...document specific dates and times:

- specific examples of harrassment
- to whom you reported this, and when and their response

Escalate your concerns to a corporate VP of HR. A BIG company probably has a diversity program (ironically) or such, and they would be interested. Usually the law will protect you from retaliation for complaining. However, sometimes your employer may offer you a severance package just to go away.

Talk to GLAAD or LAMDA Legal Defense. Better and more impact than spending your own bux for sure.

 

[Comrad]

Some have told me that know I'm gay right away, some have been completely "fooled". I don't go broadcasting it...I'm just me. But one guy did come to my house a few times to chill out, and I know he saw some stuff that made him go "hmmmm". I don't know why I can't be judged on the work that I do rather than who I sleep with.

Well to be fair, its no different that you prejudging someone based sole on their skin color, or their tattoos, or their tone of voice. And i say you, just like i would say anyone. Everyone is prejudice, i know i am. Its just that gays are easy to hate, and its ok as long as your not so easy to break. Its just something your going yo well, deal with until things change..

 

[fetaby]

I disagree.

I do not believe that discrimination and hate is something you will just have to deal with "until things change."

If you do not stand up for your rights, nothing will ever change.

If you wait for someone else to stand up for your rights, they never will.

I'm not saying go to work and demand changes immediately. I am saying to go into work knowing what you are facing, and prepared to take the necessary steps to look out for yourself before anything else.

 

[MoltenRock III]

Trying to sue is an absolute last resort. It's not an easy solution, and I hope you don't think its some easy payday for you. Far too often, scum sucking lawyers promise the sky, and after you go thru hell for 3 years, pay all the legal expenses, deal with the additional stress and harassment the amount of money you will get is damn near inconsequential.

Get your resume dusted off, and start looking for a job. Additionally, just be honest about your sexuality and be open about it from now on. That way you don't take some job that homophobes work in, or are supported by the boss man. It's better to get it over and done with than hide in the closet as if you're ashamed of yourself. You shouldn't be, and can't be.

 

[Purplebic]

I work in IT for a VERY large company

Not a huge surprise.

Straight geeks are unattractive, and sexually insecure because they rarely get layed (for free). So naturally they'll pick on homosexuals because we get more cock in a week than they see pussy in ten years.

 

[Purplebic]

LOL...damn.

Was i just a smidgen too harsh on the homophobic breeder geeks?

 

[backpacker]

You say that HR and your manager are doing nothing, but by your own account they already fired one guy. Please keep in mind that many companies have policies that require warnings and possibly sensitivity training before they can take any substantial action. My guess is that the workers have been warned. HR is often prohibited from telling you what action they took, therefore you really don't know what they are doing. I can see the workers playing it off as nothing happened to save face.

You need to keep reporting every incident so that HR and your manager know it's an ongoing problem. That will also give them what they need to take action. If HR or your manager have indicated that they think it's boys being boys (i.e. not really a problem), then it is time to escalate the issue within HR.

You haven't provided much detail, but it sounds like the remarks are not directed at you. As you noted, they may or may not know that you are gay. Try not to take what they say as a personal attack. Do you say anything when they make the remarks? Are the remarks on a daily basis, weekly basis or are they somewhat infrequent?

I hate that this is putting your stomach in knots. I do suggest that you talk to HR about the physical affects the environment is having on you. Hopefully that will impress upon them the magnitude of the problem.

Since it's a large company, is a transfer to another location or department a possibility?

 

[Purplebic]

You're probably gonna end up having to find another job either way.

HR will go to bat for you once, twice, maybe even 3 times. But if you keep showing up there with the same problem regarding diferent people each time, theyll start to see you as the problem.

Also, homophobes in the workplace have a way of ganging up on you, talking shit and backing up eachothers' stories to the management. Ive lost a few jobs this way.

You can either settle things with your coworkers in a direct, civil manner, within the confines and formality of the workplace.

OR

You can settle things outside of the workplace, in a less civil manner... but since you don't do the kind of work i do, i wouldn't recommend this path to you.

 

[vektursome]

They don't care about this issue. They wanted to fire the first guy, and his comments gave them the opportunity. The second guy is protected, and doing nothing to him set a precedent. I know for a fact that they were initially doing nothing to him...their response was "well, he said he was sorry" all the while, defending the fact that he didn't do anything wrong. How can you truly be sorry if you don't think you did anything wrong? After 3 incidents, it should be apparent to the powers that be that something more needs to be done about this situation, which it was not. The 4th incident happened, and then the 5th. In between each incident was extensive intimidation and harassment that the powers that be refused to even investigate. I reported that to my managers, but they told me immediately there was nothing that could be done.

 

[evanrick]

why dont you tell us the name of this company and the name of your managers?!

there is strength in numbers and a little pressure from the outside may help.

maybe some negative publicity will get them to change their minds.

 

[Harke the Boeotarch]

Did you start by pointing out to your co-workers that you were offended by (what you perceived to be) homophobic slurs? If not, you're partially to blame for the situation you're in.

Nobody likes a tell-tale.

I'm not saying that it happened that way, but it often does. Was this the case with you?


Maybe you should tell us exactly what occurred to make you take it up with HR.