Five Tips for Identifying LGBTQ+ Inclusive Organisations

By Curtis Anderson, Trainee Solicitor at Taylor Wessing

The quest for workplaces that celebrate underrepresented identities is more vital now than ever. Below, I share five tips for navigating the search for LGBTQ+ inclusive organisations.

Live in your truth.

During any interactions with a prospective employer, start as you mean to go on.  In casual conversations, use your partner's pronouns to subtly indicate that you are part of the LGBTQ+ community. If somebody misgenders you, correct them. In interviews, ask direct questions about the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. You will learn a lot about the organisation and its representatives by how they respond. If you pick up on negative energy, you'll thank yourself for learning this sooner rather than later.

Network, network, network.

Attend job fairs, networking events and conferences to connect with employers actively promoting inclusivity. Meet people and connect with them on LinkedIn. If you have more questions or progress through their organisation's application process, reach out to your new connection. You would be surprised how many professionals will make time for a chat if you're bold enough to ask. I would not be where I am today without insights from mentors I met through networking.

Image source: Canva

Professional communities.

Check whether your prospective employer is affiliated with a LGBTQ+ professional community, like myGwork. As well as an indicator that the employer is switched on to LGBTQ+ representation, the community's website will often spotlight affiliated employees. Reach out to these employees to gain insights into the company's inclusivity efforts (please see tip 2!). You could also become a member of a professional community to gain access to news updates, job boards and other resources.

Connect on social media.

Follow companies on social media platforms to see their public stance on LGBTQ+ issues and initiatives. How did the prospective employer recognise and celebrate Pride Month? What about LGBTQ+ History Month, Lesbian and Bisexual Visibility Weeks, International Non-Binary People's Day and Transgender Awareness Week (to name just a few)? If the organisation is visibly involved with LGBTQ+ activism and awareness, this is a good indicator that it would be an inclusive place to work.

Image source: Canva

Know the organisation's values.

Most employers follow a set of values which are freely available on their websites. Such values can be tokenistic, but they can also serve as a litmus test on an organisation's priorities. If a prospective employer's values include a specific commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, this may be the employer for you. For example, one of Taylor Wessing's six core values is Respect; this encompasses the firm's commitment to embracing individuality and building diverse teams.

Finding an inclusive employer involves thorough research and asking the right questions to ensure a supportive and respectful working environment. But never forget that the application process is a two-way street. As much as you want to find an inclusive employer, organisations want to build diverse workforces. Your talent is valuable, and you have the right to be your authentic self at work.

If you would like to chat about Taylor Wessing, my experiences or anything else in further detail, please do not hesitate to connect with me on LinkedIn.