Public and Commercial Services Union

Being out at work

Every day at work lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are forced to choose between being open and honest about their sexuality, avoiding the issue, or lying about themselves and their sexuality to colleagues and managers.

'Coming out' is a term used by lesbians, gay men and bisexuals to describe the process of being open about one's sexuality to oneself and other people.

Coming out can be a difficult decision. Many lesbians, gay men and bisexuals feel they do not wish to come out and their decision should be respected.

They may fear losing custody of children or they may fear a negative reaction from their employer, colleagues, friends and family.

Action points

Make sure that your union branch has a policy in support of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals put into action by

• raising and discussing issues
• educating members, by courses, having speakers, publicity
• tackle discrimination by taking up cases and by negotiating on relevant issues
• taking part in campaigns on issues affecting lesbians, gay men and lesbians
• make it clear that you and the other trade union reps support lesbian and gay rights and that people can talk to you in confidence
• support members who are out about their sexuality but do not pressure anyone to come out
• advertise and promote Proud at national and regional level

You can always consult with Proud for advice and information to help you carry out these points.

Supporting members

PCS can play a role by helping to create a workplace environment sufficiently supportive to give lesbians and gay men the confidence to be open about their sexuality and to feel that their issues will be taken seriously. There are several factors that can help workers be openly lesbian and gay.

These factors are:

• the presence of other out gay workers
• their own self confidence and pride as a gay person
• their employer's equality opportunities policy
• their union's commitment to lesbian and gay issues
• types of work where the work traditionally has more open minded attitudes
• support of straight or heterosexual colleagues, friends outside work and union officials

The role of the union

Discrimination against lesbian, gay or bisexual members is a trade union issue.

PCS believes that all members have the right to equality of opportunity and equal treatment regardless of their sexuality.

No-one should be subjected to harassment, discrimination or less favourable treatment because of others' prejudices or misconceptions.

The union has a role in promoting equal rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual members, by negotiating policies and procedures.

It can do this by using the law when appropriate and by working to create an atmosphere in which members feel that the union is there for them and can work to improve their rights and working conditions.

PCS also aims to create a supportive working environment and to encourage the involvement of lesbian, gay and bisexual members in the day to day activity of the union.

Action points for your branch

• advertise PROUD and other networks and advice lines
• set up a local PROUD Group
• contact PROUD
• discuss issues relating to lesbian, gay men and bisexual members in your Branch Executive Committee, Group or Association Executive Committee, Branch Women's Advisory Committee, Equal Opportunities Committee, in your Black Workers or your Disabled Members groups
• invite someone from the PROUD Group to talk to a workplace branch or committee meeting in your area