Module L LGBTQ+ People Hear What You Say

One of the measures of an inclusive and welcoming workplace is the language used by employees in the organization. Even though slang terminology may be used without an intent to harm or demean, for the closeted LGBTQ+ employee, those phrases are heard loud and clear and send a message of intolerance, disapproval and dislike.

Most states with workplace harassment and discrimination laws already prohibit the use of such language, but if agency administration doesn't hear and respond to inappropriate language, then it becomes part of the agency culture. In fact, it can become such a regular part of the agency vocabulary that you might not even realize how often you hear it.

Words Matter

I Don't Say That Campaign with a series of 6 posters with slurs and slang.

As a culture, our society has come to realize that certain slang terminology and slurs are unacceptable under any circumstances because of the history and violence the words represents. One of the most effective ways of creating an inclusive and comfortable workplace for LGBTQ+ employees is to eliminate the kind of offensive language described in this image.

Removing this kind of language from the workplace requires a change of agency culture and a commitment from supervisors and peers to call-out the language when it is heard. The language must first be recognized as being unacceptable. Peers must be willing to step up and call-out their colleagues when inappropriate language is used. This kind of cultural change require more than a written directive condemning the language. It requires conversation, understanding, and a commitment to make change. A change like this can go a long way to improving the workplace environment.