Ch 11. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Why is there a broad range (4–17%) estimated to be sexual minorities?

Measurement differences, willingness to disclose, and generational variation.

What percentage of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+ according to Gallup (2023)?

7.6% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+.

What percentage of Generation Z identifies as LGBTQ+ compared to Baby Boomers?

Generation Z: 22.3%; Baby Boomers: 2.3%.

How do earnings differ for lesbian women compared to heterosexual women?

Lesbians tend to earn more than comparably educated heterosexual women, potentially due to not conforming to traditional female roles (e.g., more work experience, fewer career interruptions).

How do earnings differ for gay men compared to heterosexual men?

Gay men tend to earn less than heterosexual men, facing wage penalties similar to other stigmatized groups.

What does Executive Order 11478 (1998) prohibit?

Sexual orientation discrimination in federal civilian workplaces only. It was amended in July 2014 to add gender identity.

What does Executive Order 11246 prohibit regarding sexual orientation and gender identity?

It prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity for federal contractors.

What was the ruling in Oncale v. Sundowner?

The Supreme Court ruled that harassment is prohibited by Title VII of people of the same sex.

What was the significance of Bostock v. Clayton County (2020)?

The Supreme Court ruled that protections under the 1964 Civil Rights Act based on "sex" extend to discrimination against lesbian, gay, and transgender Americans.

What happened to the Equality Act?

It passed the House but did NOT pass the Senate.

What are "business" reasons for adopting LGBTQ+ supportive policies?

• Access to a larger talent pool

• Higher employee retention and satisfaction

• Improved organizational reputation and branding

• Signals inclusive culture to customers and stakeholders

• LGBTQ+ consumers and their allies represent significant spending power

What percentage of new HIV/AIDS infections (2018) resulted from male-to-male sexual contact?

69%.

Is HIV/AIDS a protected disability under the ADA?

Yes, HIV/AIDS is a protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Which demographic factors are associated with more positive attitudes toward LGBTQ+ employees?

Women, higher education, never married individuals, and lower religiosity.

Which demographic factors are associated with more negative attitudes toward LGBTQ+ employees?

Men, lower education, currently married individuals, and higher religiosity/fundamentalism.

What is associational stigma?

Stigma that occurs when someone is discriminated against because of their association with a stigmatized group member (e.g., a heterosexual person stigmatized for having LGBTQ+ friends or family).

What is sexual orientation?

Enduring emotional, romantic, sexual, and/or affectional attraction to individuals of a particular gender.

What are sexual minorities?

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise non-heterosexual individuals.

What is gender identity and expression?

An individual's internal sense of gender.

What is stigma?

Deviations from the desired norm in a specific context.

What is passing?

Conscious concealment of non-dominant group membership that is not readily apparent to observers.

What is covering?

Individual efforts to minimize non-dominant sexual orientation to fit in, make others comfortable, or advance career.

What is access discrimination?

Denying employment opportunities based on factors unrelated to productivity.

What is statistical discrimination?

Using observable characteristics as proxies for worker productivity.

What is treatment discrimination?

Treating employees differently based on factors unrelated to productivity.

What does "closeted" mean?

When sexual minorities keep their sexual orientation hidden from all or most of the people in their lives.

What is heteronormativity?

Culturally ascribed ideologies and practices that normalize and support heterosexuality and the binary gender system.

What is heterosexism?

Attitudes and behaviors denigrating and stigmatizing to non-heterosexuals.