Increasing Awareness of LGBT Rights in the Workplace in Minnesota

Presenter Information

Sydney Piras, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Jennifer Stenzel, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 284A

Start Date

4-4-2011 1:30 PM

End Date

4-4-2011 3:00 PM

Student's Major

Psychology, Management

Student's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Mentor's Name

Dawn Rae Davis

Mentor's Department

Gender and Women's Studies

Mentor's College

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Description

Contrary to the state of Minnesota‘s laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, discrimination against people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender occurs in the workplace regularly. In fact, at least 16% of people who identify as LGBT reported experiencing discrimination in the workplace in 2007 according to Badgett et al (2007). Their study revealed that LGBT discrimination in the workplace occurs at the same rates as discrimination against ethnic minorities and women. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Minnesota is one of only twelve states which prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity; however, awareness and knowledge of LGBT rights in the workplace is scarce. Our research examined individuals‘ awareness of LGBT rights in the workplace within Minnesota. We have complied recommendations on how to improve knowledge of these basic employee rights. Knowledge of LGBT rights in the workplace can empower individuals to stand up to discrimination and can challenge companies to adapt their policies to better prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.