A conflict that I have had at work is that some people have been accusing me of making them feel "uncomfortable" because they know I am a lesbian. I have been called into the office a few times and spoken to about it. I have never tried to make anyone feel uncomfortable and I usually only talk to my friends at work. I go to work to do my job and all the children and parents love me. The ways that I have resolved the accusations is that I keep to myself and stay away from the ones who are saying things to my boss. I also have a friend who approached my boss and told her that people are talking about me and are trying to get me in trouble, and that if they do not stop doing this to me she will be forced to quit because she is a bi-sexual person and is feeling discriminated against as well.
To my colleagues, do you have any advice on what I should do?
If you feel discriminated against due to your sexual orientation, you need to express these thoughts to your superiors! There are laws and guidelines that no matter what profession you are in they must abide by! Ask your boss to have a meeting with these people that are accusing you of making them feel uncomfortable, resolve the problems, and then move forward from them. Sometimes our actions, while we don't think are bothering others, might. And in this circumstance it could be that they're more sensitive because they don't share the same orientation as you? In any aspect, there is a level of professionalism that your co-workers [and you] need to uphold, and that includes not having conversations that involve this topic within the work place. No matter if the children are napping, playing outdoors, etc.
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't feel threatened or uncomfortable to do your job. I am surprise that your boss hasn't really stepped up yet. There are laws that are there to protect you and you should really know your rights in situations like this. You deserve to be respected regardless of your sexual orientation. This kind of discrimination must be stopped, I would get a lawyer if I had to.