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We Need To Talk About the LGBTQ+ Pay Gap

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Summary

This article discusses the LGBTQ+ pay gap, which is estimated to be about 10% less than straight white men over their lifetimes, and even more for LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender people, and nonbinary people. Factors that contribute to this pay gap include the lack of LGBTQ+ role models in leadership positions, fewer opportunities for sponsorship and mentorship, and the mental toll that comes with feeling "different" from what is perceived as the norm. Currently, there are only 25 openly LGBTQ+ people in the Fortune 500, and LGBTQ+ workers often feel they cannot be their authentic selves in the workplace. To help counter this pay gap, Evolutions Gay Men's Leadership Circles have been created to provide a space to connect with peers, receive mentorship, and speak without judgement. Organizations also have a responsibility to promote inclusion and act as allies. Ultimately, when people can show up authentically at work, the bottom line improves for companies.

Q&As

What is the LGBTQ+ pay gap?
The LGBTQ+ pay gap is the discrepancy in pay between LGBTQ+ workers and straight white men.

What contributes to this pay gap?
Factors that contribute to the LGBTQ+ pay gap include a shortage of LGBTQ+ role models in leadership positions, fewer opportunities for sponsorship and mentorship from outside the community, and the mental toll that comes with feeling "different" from what is perceived as the norm.

What initiatives are being used to help reduce the LGBTQ+ pay gap?
Initiatives such as Gay Men's Leadership Circles, which provide a space for LGBTQ+ workers to connect with peers and mentors, are being used to help reduce the LGBTQ+ pay gap.

What are the benefits of creating a more inclusive workplace?
The benefits of creating a more inclusive workplace include improved performance, increased bottom-line benefits, and a better working environment for all employees.

How can LGBTQ+ workers advocate for themselves to help reduce the pay gap?
LGBTQ+ workers can advocate for themselves by speaking up, questioning things, and making sure they feel safe both physically and emotionally. They can also look for allies who can help create a dialogue and defend them during meetings and hiring.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides an informative overview of the LGBTQ+ pay gap and how organizations can work to address it through leadership and corporate culture.

👎 This article does not provide any new information or solutions to address the LGBTQ+ pay gap.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about the LGBTQ+ pay gap. It talks about how LGBTQ+ folks earn 10 percent less over their lifetime compared to straight white men and even less for LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender people, and nonbinary people. It also talks about the mental toll of having to constantly "come out" at work and how it's draining emotionally.

Friend: Wow, that's really unfortunate. It sounds like this pay gap is driven by a lack of role models in leadership positions and fewer opportunities for sponsorship and mentorship from outside the community.

Me: Exactly. It also points out the fact that people in the LGBTQ+ community don't have the same access to spaces to connect with peers or receive mentorship like other populations. That's why it's so important to create these spaces and advocate for inclusion. It's not only good for workers, but it's proven to have a positive effect on the bottom line, too.

Action items

Reach out to LGBTQ+ organizations in your community to learn more about the LGBTQ+ pay gap and how to support members of the community.
Educate yourself on the various factors that contribute to the LGBTQ+ pay gap and how to counter them in your workplace.
Advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in your workplace by creating a safe space for employees to be their authentic selves and by actively supporting LGBTQ+ employees in leadership roles.

Technical terms

LGBTQ+: Acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other identities.
Gender Pay Gap: The difference in wages between men and women.
Rainbow Glass Effect: The lack of LGBTQ+ individuals in leadership positions creates a glass ceiling and keeps people pushed down.
Culture War: A term used to describe the ongoing conflict between different social and political groups.
Self Advocacy: The act of speaking up for oneself and advocating for one’s own interests.
Allyship: The act of being an ally to a marginalized group.