The lived experience of lesbian, bisexual and gay employees in the work place

Abstract

This paper aimed to delve into the lived experience of lesbian, bisexual and gay employees at their work place. A qualitative approach, namely Thematic Analysis was used and semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with Maltese men and woman. The recruited participants were all between the ages of twenty-three and forty. Eight major themes were extrapolated from the participant’s narratives during data analysis through thematic analysis. Dominant factors which originated from the experience involve; The weary stance and joking attitude from colleagues, and the minor neutrality noted as predictors of difference from before to after the passing of the legislation regarding civil liberties; the domino effect of influence which is a result of banter and gossip spreading like wildfire from one single burning branch, the religion and its influence on general societal mentality, and one’s appearance which might be a predictor of the approach from colleagues and employers at the place of work. Furthermore, what prevailed was the confirmed concept that homosexual employees who endure a less favourable environment at their place of work experience burn-out due to the constant worry and effort to conceal their identity while attempting to complete the tasks required. Finally, recommendations for future research proposed the implementation of a wider-qualitative research aiming at gaining an understanding of the lived experience of lesbian, bisexual and gay employees at the place of work from the perspective and reports of a Human Resources representor.