Winfeld, Liz. Straight Talk About Gays in the Workplace . Bringhamton: Harrington Park Press, 2005.
Specific Strategies for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation in the Workplace
It is hard enough alone to be homosexual, it is extra hard when one has to hide his or her homosexuality. Having to hide one's true identity from coworkers is something that takes constant attention and lots of energy--attention and energy that could be put towards doing a better job at work. The authors of the article write about what this experience could be like for a closeted homosexual employee and what can be done to make the work environment and company policies more LBGT friendly and safe.
With the recent push in the gay rights movement, many companies have begun to be more inclusive of policies regarding the safety of homosexual employees. Just like race, sex, religion, and so forth, sexual identity must also be covered by anti-discrimination rules in both company policies and state and federal law. Until the time comes when everyone is protected, companies must take the initiative to be sensitive towards LGBT employees and offer training in ways to deal with any issues that should arise.
This article could be a good recourse for anyone researching LGBT policies in the workplace, coming out/closet issues, and workplace diversity. - M.J.
Chapter 9
Liz Winfeld, author of Straight Talk About Gays in the Workplace , explains the need to educate youth and educators about sexuality issues. In the chapter, Winfeld argues for sex education for several reasons. First, she acknowledges that teenagers are going to have sex and feels they should protect themselves to prevent STDS and pregnancies. Winfeld states, "Sex education must be comprehensive, it must be honest, and it must be offered everywhere in this country beginning no later than the seventh grade and continuing all the way through high school. It should present a balanced view of all matters related to sexual activity, including abstinence, birth control, transmission of STDs, and how sex leads to pregnancy, which seems to be something a scary number of our kids don't know" (Winfeld 168). Second, she argues that LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender) students do not feel safe because of their sexual orientation and/or gender (Winfeld 166). Winfeld presents quantitative data to support her persuasion for sexuality education. This work is very useful for students as well as teachers. However, this work alone may not be enough to persuade school districts to include sexuality education. More research would be required in order to include sexuality education in school districts nationwide. - J.H.