Being open at work can be a daunting challenge, but it can also relieve the daily stress of hiding who you are. At the same time, however, no one wants to put their job security or opportunity for advancement in jeopardy.
Many people of color face unique challenges when they come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
Someone who identifies as bisexual is emotionally, romantically, sexually and relationally attracted to both men and women, though not necessarily simultaneously; a bisexual person may not be equally attracted to both sexes, and the degree of attraction may vary as sexual identity develops over time.
A straight supporter or straight ally is someone who supports and honors sexual diversity, acts accordingly to challenge homophobic remarks or behaviors and explores and understands these forms of bias within him- or herself.
Transgender is a term describing a broad range of people who experience and/or express their gender differently from what most people expect. It is an umbrella term that includes people who are transsexual, cross-dressers or otherwise gender non-conforming.
Different people will react differently. Some people may not be supportive, which can make the coming out process very difficult.
Coming out is the process in which a person first acknowledges, accepts and appreciates his or her sexual orientation or gender identity and begins to share that with others.
The fact that the transgender population is relatively small does not justify ignoring workplace discrimination against people based on gender identity.