Sexual Orientation Disclosure, Concealment and the Effects of Heterosexism

There is minimal research on the effects of ‘outness’ (sexual orientation disclosure) on the work experiences of GLBT employees. Few empirically sound studies from the literature have compared the variable of outness, its effect on workplace heterosexism, the psychological well-being of GLBT employees and their general life and job satisfaction. Due to the stigmatized status of sexual minority members in our society, GLBT employees hold varied attitudes and value systems regarding their sexual identity. Evidence suggests that GLBT employees apply sexual identity management strategies to manage the stress involved in disclosing ones sexual orientation. The present study intends to examine hypothesized relationships of sexual orientation disclosure, concealment, heterosexism (workplace discrimination) and supportive organisational policy implementation and these effects on psychological well-being. (Words 121)