LGBT+ people often pay a high price for living in hiding, including at work. Work is where we spend a significant part of our lives. It is where we establish important relationships, pursue our professional goals, and shape our identities. That is why it is so important that all employees can feel comfortable in the workplace—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Unfortunately, the “Safe Havens” report shows that many LGBT+ people still struggle with enormous fears about revealing such a key aspect of their lives as their sexual orientation. This affects their health, well-being and the quality of their work. Living in hiding and constantly being careful not to “come out of the closet” in the company hallway is a real challenge. Constant stress and feeling unnatural in the workplace can lead to professional burnout.

On the other hand, speaking openly about one’s gender identity and sexual orientation can prove to be a huge benefit, both for the employee and for the entire organization. People who have come out feel accepted and less stressed. It is easier for them to build sincere relationships with coworkers, which contributes to a better atmosphere at work and higher productivity. Companies that promote tolerance and openness also gain a positive image in the labor market.

That is why it is so important for employers to understand that psychosexual orientation and gender identity are key elements of every person’s psychological makeup. Cutting off or suppressing these characteristics in the workplace is harmful both to employees and to the entire organization. Supporting LGBT+ people should encompass the full range of practices related to diversity, equality and inclusion.

And how should coworkers react when someone on their team decides to come out? Above all, they should show support, empathy and tact. They should not bombard the person with questions, but show that they accept them as they are. They should also maintain confidentiality, respecting the employee’s right to disclose themselves at their own pace.

In summary, coming out at work is not only a challenge but also a huge opportunity—to build an open and inclusive organizational culture, for employees to achieve fuller self-acceptance, and, as a result, to develop better relationships and improve the efficiency of the entire company. That is a benefit that pays off for everyone.

If you need help and support, consider contacting local LGBT+ organizations.

  • Kampania Przeciw Homofobii: A nationwide organization working for the LGBT+ community; email: info@kph.org.pl
  • Grupa Stonewall. A Poznań association fighting for the rights of LGBT+ people; email: kontakt@grupa-stonewall.pl
  • Stowarzyszenie Lambda Warszawa. The oldest and largest support organization for LGBT+ people in Poland; email: warszawa@lambdawarszawa.org
  • Stowarzyszenie Miłość nie Wyklucza. A nongovernmental organization working to introduce marriage equality for same-sex couples and build the LGBT+ community in Poland; email: kontakt@mnw.org.pl

Any discrimination in employment, direct or indirect, in particular on grounds of sex, age, disability, race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, trade union membership, ethnic origin, creed, sexual orientation, fixed-term or indefinite employment, or full-time or part-time employment, is prohibited.

Labor Code, Article 113