The Australian Corporate Closet, why it’s still so full: Investigating the relationship between sexual orientation (disclosure and concealment) and Heterosexism and how this affects GLBT employee well-being

There is minimal research on the effects of ‘outness’ (sexual orientation disclosure) on the work experiences of GLBT employees. Few international empirically sound studies from the literature have compared the variable of outness, its effect on workplace heterosexism, and job satisfaction. To date, no Australian studies have compared the variables of workplace heterosexism, the psychological well-being of GLBT employees and their general life and job satisfaction. Due to the stigmatised status of sexual minority members in our society, GLBT employees hold varied attitudes and value systems regarding their sexual identity. Evidence suggests that GLBT employees apply sexual identity management strategies to manage the stress involved in disclosing ones sexual orientation. This study intends to examine hypothesised relationships of sexual orientation disclosure and concealment; heterosexism (workplace discrimination) and these effects on psychological wellbeing, with regard to psychological well-being, mental health, job satisfaction and satisfaction with life.