Each year, the month of June invites us to pause and reflect on the importance of being true to oneself. Our jobs, our relationships, our wellbeing: all these things are shaped by whether we can fully express who we are—free from the fear that we won’t be accepted, affirmed, or treated with the respect we deserve.
As organizations around the world start to think more deeply about psychological safety, it’s important to remember what it’s truly for. Not just so employees feel safe bringing their ideas to work, but so they can bring their whole selves.
For members of the LGBTQ+ community, this is easier said than done. Worrying about whether teams will accept them for who they are; whether a relationship with a peer might change after the mention of a same-sex or non-cisgender partner; or whether they’ll face exclusion or harassment for how they express their gender: these are all still very real concerns for LGBTQ+ individuals. And the emotional weight of carrying those fears around can be far greater than many assume.
Sexual orientation and gender identity are not aspects of a person that can simply be turned off. These are not preferences or passing interests with little bearing on daily life; they are fundamental, immutable facts of who we are. Denying or suppressing them is akin to depriving oneself of air—and can profoundly impact a person’s sense of self, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
To be truly well in life—whether at home, at school, or in the workplace—we all must have the freedom to exist without restriction. Just as employees need work-life balance and wellbeing to perform at their best, so, too, must they be able to fully engage in their work. Not having to censor or diminish parts of oneself is integral to that experience. Work can only be as engaging as it is affirming. Without that sense of belonging, employees cannot fully immerse themselves in their roles; and without that immersion, they cannot truly be well at work.
This inevitably creates a harmful cycle wherein organizational effectiveness falters as individual wellbeing declines. Research shows that nearly a third of LGBTQ+ workers have considered or left a job because the workplace was not accepting or affirming.
Avoiding this requires leaders to commit to creating workspaces where employees feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Beyond policies and procedures, this necessitates an investment in meaningful support that reflects the needs and experiences of one’s entire workforce.
For LGBTQ+ employees specifically, this involves securing access to affirming, confidential support that upholds their right to dignity, privacy, and safety. At Workplace Options (WPO), we are committed to providing a safe, judgment-free space where individuals can access the help they need to move through life with confidence. Whether it’s navigating coming out, workplace dynamics, gender identity, or mental health experiences, our EAP provides the compassionate and personalized care individuals need to overcome challenges with greater ease and reassurance.
In honor of this year’s Pride Month, we’ve put together a collection of stories that highlight how we help LGBTQ+ individuals thrive. While these stories are based on real situations, identifying details have been changed to protect anonymity.
To access these stories, fill out the form below—and explore how compassionate, inclusive support can help people feel safer, seen, and empowered both within and outside of work.
