Queerty.com teamed up with Whisper to talk to LGBT employees who feel pressured to hide their identities from their bosses and coworkers for the sake of professional advancement. The quote above is one of many that they collected and shared from their partnership.
I’m lucky enough to work where I can be honest about who I am, but the reality is that for many people this is not an option. I’d like to thank Queerty.com for reminding us that many still work in states where they can be fired for being gay and many, many more won’t come out because while they may not be fired, they know they will never advance in their career so they remain closeted.
Are you out to your coworkers? I’d like to know.
BosGuy 
Years ago, a doctor at my hospital was talking about a recent visit to NYC. He turned to me and asked, “Who’s that playwright that wrote “Brighton Beach” something or other?” I went on a tirade. “I grew up on a ranch in South Texas, rode horses, dirt bikes and have always driven full sized trucks. I played high school football and rugby in college. Every year I go for a ten day wilderness hike in Big Bend. I’ve been bitten by snakes three times and scorpions have stung me about a hundred. Not every gay guy loves the theater.” I paused, uttered “Neil Simon” in a low voice, slowly turned and walked away.
I was one of many gays, lesbians and two transgendered females in this district hospital and that was thirty years ago in Houston, Texas.
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I only come out when I’m asked to share what I did in my time off from work, and those stories usually involve my partner. Every time, though, it includes a calculation and judgement call on my part.
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I am. Thankfully, I work in an open and accepting profession, higher education, so it’s not really that shocking to have numerous out LGBT employees.
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I’m out at work. I’m in retail and I’m proud to work for a company that supports the LGBT Community. They actually provide medical insurance for same-sex families.
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