Have you ever considered the unfair treatment that LGBTQ+ individuals endure? Or imagined that you yourself could be targeted by prejudice? According to Vivian Ho’s article, “The Discrimination Pushing LGBTQ+ Workers to Quit”, published by the BBC, many LGBTQ+ employees feel uncomfortable in their workplaces due to microaggressions and overt discrimination. This hostile environment can make them feel as though their identities are being erased, and that they are denied the opportunity to showcase their talents. The biases and offensive jokes directed at LGBTQ+ individuals are not just hurtful – they are a violation of basic human dignity. Everyone deserves the right to live and work authentically, free from fear and prejudice. To effectively combat this discrimination, I believe the government must implement policies that prioritise education and workplace inclusivity.
Firstly, one of the most powerful ways to reduce discrimination is through education, starting with the introduction of lessons on gender equality and sexual orientation in schools. These programs are essential for teaching students about respect, acceptance, and understanding of diverse identities. The lack of education on LGBTQ+ issues has allowed ignorance and intolerance to persist. By educating children early, schools can cultivate a generation that is less likely to engage in discriminatory behaviour and more likely to stand up against bullying. Children are like blank canvases, easily shaped by societal influences, including those from the media and the internet. By instilling the idea that “everyone is equal”, we can nurture a future society where differences are celebrated rather than condemned.
For instance, in the past, many schools avoided discussing LGBTQ+ topics, which led to harmful stereotypes taking root. People who grow up without proper education on sexual orientation and gender identity may develop biased views, falsely believing that being LGBTQ+ is somehow wrong or abnormal. Therefore, by integrating lessons on equality into school curricula, we can help shape more open-minded individuals who embrace diversity, breaking down the barriers of misunderstanding and intolerance. In doing so, we may one day see the eradication of the social apartheid that still exists for LGBTQ+ individuals.
In addition to educational reforms, it is crucial for workplaces to adopt Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies to combat discrimination. EEO policies protect individuals from being treated unfairly based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics. By implementing such policies, companies can foster an inclusive culture where all employees feel respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. For example, Starbucks is renowned for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering comprehensive benefits to LGBTQ+ employees and actively promoting a diverse workplace. Similarly, Microsoft has made significant strides in promoting equality, regularly reviewing pay structures to ensure equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
In the past, many LGBTQ+ individuals were forced to leave their jobs due to unfair treatment. Fortunately, companies like Starbucks and Microsoft are now recognising that a diverse workforce not only promotes fairness but also drives innovation and creativity. Moreover, EEO policies can enhance a company’s public image, demonstrating that it values diversity and equality. Employers that prioritise inclusivity, such as Google, attract a wider pool of talent, enriching their teams with fresh perspectives. By focusing on skills and qualifications rather than personal characteristics, companies can create supportive environments where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. In short, EEO policies not only provide LGBTQ+ employees with honourable working conditions, free from harassment and discrimination, but they also help organisations build stronger, more dynamic workplaces.
In conclusion, the widespread discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the workplace, can be addressed through two key measures: introducing lessons on gender and sexual orientation equality in schools, and implementing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies in workplaces. These initiatives will help shape future generations that embrace diversity and reject prejudice, while also ensuring that LGBTQ+ employees are treated fairly and given equal opportunities to thrive. It is time for both schools and employers to step up and support these critical efforts, paving the way for a more inclusive and just society. By investing in these initiatives, we can move towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live and work without fear of discrimination.
Author︰Kwong Ka Ki
News Commentary Competition – The Champion of Junior Form
Heep Yunn School