Sexual orientation discrimination: Exploring the experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees in Turkey

Abstract

This article explores workplace sexual orientation discrimination in the context of Turkey, a developing country displaying a unique set of gendered intersectionalities permeating the employment sphere. Using a multifarious theoretical backdrop steeped in a combinatorial analytical approach sustained by post-structural constructs, queer theory and relational perspectives, this study locates homophobic practices at work in terms of their variegated determinants, instantiations and possibilities for transformation. Open-ended, unstructured, probing interviews support the exploratory effort in gaining an authentic sense of meaning as evidenced by personal experience, and conditioned by contextual detail in the working lives of 20 lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. This allows for the emergence of an account of how sexual orientation discrimination is diffused through a plethora of work environments in Turkey and at what particular ideational levels of signification emergent processes may combat such discriminatory practices.

Age, sexuality and hegemonic masculinity: Exploring older gay men’s masculinity practices at work

“…By embodying subordinated masculinities, gay men can experience disadvantage when compared with heterosexual men (Carrigan, Connell, & Lee, 1985;Connell, 1992). Tangibly, this is exemplified in incidents of homophobic bullying in schools (Plummer, 1995), employment discrimination (Drydakis, 2015;Ozturk, 2011;Ozturk & Rumens, 2015) and hate crimes against gay men (Herek, 2009). At the same time, feminist literature implicates gay men in upholding unequal gender norms and gaining a patriarchal dividend through forms of sexism (Ward, 2000).…”

Comparing Heterosexuals’ and Gay Men/Lesbians’ Responses to Relationship Problems and the Effects of Internalized Homophobia on Gay Men/Lesbians’ Responses to Relationship Problems in Turkey

“…In recent studies conducted in Turkey (Göregenli & Karakuş, 2011;Öztürk, 2011;Yılmaz & Göçmen, 2015) gay men and lesbians reported that they still face various prejudicial attitudes and discrimination. In particular, they stated that their problems firstly arise in their family (e.g., Lambdaistanbul…”

Is it safe to bring myself to work? Understanding LGBTQ experiences of workplace dignity

“…Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) employees often are met with messages and experiences that are particularly damaging-including, but not limited to such things as bullying (Cowan, 2007;Hunt & Dick, 2008), discrimination (Bedgett, Lau, Sears, & Ho, 2007;Lewis, 2006Lewis, , 2009Ozturk, 2011;Sears & Mallory, 2011), harassment (Bedgett et al, 2007;Das, 2009;Meyer, 2009), hurtful jokes and taunts (Baker, 2010;Silverschanz, Cortina, Konik, & Magley, 2008), and ostracism (Embrick, Walther, & Wickens, 2007). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) employees often are met with messages and experiences that are particularly damaging-including, but not limited to such things as bullying (Cowan, 2007;Hunt & Dick, 2008), discrimination (Bedgett, Lau, Sears, & Ho, 2007;Lewis, 2006Lewis, , 2009Ozturk, 2011;Sears & Mallory, 2011), harassment (Bedgett et al, 2007;Das, 2009;Meyer, 2009), hurtful jokes and taunts (Baker, 2010;Silverschanz, Cortina, Konik, & Magley, 2008), and ostracism (Embrick, Walther, & Wickens, 2007).…”

“…While disrespectful communication plagues many employees on a daily basis, problematic exchanges may be even more pervasive or severe for individuals who perform their gender, sex, and sexuality in ways that differ from heteronormative expectations. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) employees often are met with messages and experiences that are particularly damaging-including, but not limited to such things as bullying (Cowan, 2007;Hunt & Dick, 2008), discrimination (Bedgett, Lau, Sears, & Ho, 2007;Lewis, 2006Lewis, , 2009Ozturk, 2011;Sears & Mallory, 2011), harassment (Bedgett et al, 2007;Das, 2009;Meyer, 2009), hurtful jokes and taunts (Baker, 2010;Silverschanz, Cortina, Konik, & Magley, 2008), and ostracism (Embrick, Walther, & Wickens, 2007).…”