Lesbian career experiences

Abstract

This chapter explores the experiences of lesbians in terms of career progression and development, focusing on several areas, including discrimination in the workplace, career resources, barriers to career development and the importance of disclosing one’s sexual identity in the workplace. The chapter highlights several key findings, such as the importance of the relationship between gender and sexuality; the importance of working within a policy-driven environment such as the public sector; the importance of personality and the modification of behaviour as a personal resource for lesbians in the workplace. The chapter also highlights the fact that discrimination still occurs at work but manifests itself in different and often more subtle ways, and it was reported that, despite protective legislation, one of the greatest challenges for lesbians is working within a heterosexist and heteronormative environment.