Resources

The ILO's (International Labour Organization) mission of achieving social justice and fostering decent work cannot be realised until everyone's workplace rights are protected and discrimination on all grounds, including sexual orientation and gender identities (SOGI), is eliminated. Employees who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTIQ+) endure discrimination, exclusion, violence, and harassment from coworkers, superiors, and clients and customers throughout the employment cycle. Discrimination based on SOGI is frequently aggravated by discrimination based on ethnicity, health, or economic condition.

Discrimination, including systemic, multidimensional, and intersectional forms of discrimination, is a persistent and pervasive component, and a major cause of inequality, according to a resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference in 2021 on inequalities and the world of work. This manual, ‘Inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer persons in the workplace: A learning guide,’ is a tool that promotes equality and non-discrimination for all people, including LGBTIQ+ people. It contains information about the challenges and discrimination LGBTIQ+ people encounter in the workplace, as well as recommendations for how to prevent and resolve discrimination, stigma, and exclusion. Countering discrimination and fostering inclusiveness has been demonstrated to boost workplace productivity, job satisfaction, personal and social well-being, and morale, according to research.

Discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people is widespread across countries and cultures, highlighting the critical need for specialised local responses to promote equal opportunities and treatment at work, especially in light of the already deep-rooted inequities aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Branch of the International Labour Organization's Conditions of Work and Equality Department (WORKQUALITY) prepared this handbook. The ILO's mandate of "reaching social justice and developing decent work for all" includes non-discrimination and equality of opportunity and treatment. This manual aims to help create a more equal society for everyone by addressing the disparities, exclusion, and discrimination that LGBTIQ+ people encounter in the workplace. The guide is intended for ILO stakeholders such as governments, employers' and workers' groups to use as a self-learning tool. It will also be valuable for civil society groups (CSOs) seeking to reduce prejudice and exclusion.