Workplace Heterosexism and Well-being: Education, Social Class, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and Human Rights

Abstract

Human rights advocates work towards the inclusion of people of various identities, including people of diverse LGBTQ+ identities, cultural identities, and education. The purpose of this research note is to explore the intersection of lower- and working-class identity with race, gender, and educational attainment in a sample of LGBTQ+ workers in New York. Findings of the pilot study were that LGBTQ+ people from lower- and working-class backgrounds reported differences in risk of reporting heterosexism and likelihood the complaint would be taken seriously. Education and gender were significant factors in the sample. Implications and possible interventions for human rights advocates are provided.