Toggle high contrast

We all deserve respect at work, whatever our sexual orientation or gender identity. But, while lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) communities have seen lots of positive change in recent years, too many still don’t feel safe and comfortable at work.

As an LGBT+ worker, you have the same rights and protections as everyone else and shouldn’t face discrimination or harassment.

It’s not good enough for bosses to dismiss homophobia or transphobia as “workplace banter”. That defence has been tested in employment tribunals, and it failed.

If you feel you’re experiencing discrimination, you can take action to enforce your rights.

Very often, the best way to solve problems is to join with co-workers – preferably through a union - and try to reach an agreement with your employers on how to make the workplace fairer for everyone. 

Are you a rep? You can find more practical advice on a range of workplace issues in our support for reps section

From gender reassignment to trade union activist
They sat with me through meetings when we discussed how to tell parents, pupils and colleagues. And also about how I would need time off for medical treatment.
Debbie
Common
questions
I'm sure I'm being discriminated against because of my sexual orientation. What can I do?
It is against the law to discriminate against a worker on ground of sexual orientation. If you feel you are experiencing discrimination, you should keep a record of relevant instances, when they occurred and who witnessed them.
What protection do workers who have changed their sex have against sex discrimination?
Under the Equality Act 2010, individuals who are proposing to undergo, are undergoing, or have undergone a process (or part of a process) for the purpose of changing their sex, by changing physiological or other attributes of sex, are protected against less favourable treatment. They have the same protection as non-transgender workers who suffer sex discrimination.
Does my employer have to do something about the bullying I get because of my sexuality?
Yes, your employer must take all reasonable steps to stop harassment, such as bullying or any behaviour that is unwelcome, offensive, frightening or distressing (for example, name-calling or telling anti-gay jokes). 
Enable Two-Factor Authentication

To access the admin area, you will need to setup two-factor authentication (TFA).

Setup now