Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

The discrimination of gay and lesbian individuals is widely known from a global perspective. However, there is a dearth of studies on this topic, especially from the lesbian point of view in the African context. This study specifically explores the nature of perceived discriminatory practices as experienced by South African lesbian employees. A qualitative approach was used with phenomenological hermeneutics as the method of data analysis. Data were collected through the means of semi-structured interviews with nine lesbian employees from various industries within the Gauteng region. The findings suggest that lesbian individuals experience discrimination at work. The predominant themes generated were fear of coming out, differential treatment, us and them, victimisation, inappropriate jokes, stereotyping, sexual harassment, prejudice, gossip, and religious intolerance. The study will contribute to the body of knowledge pertaining to the discrimination of the LGBTQ, especially lesbian, community in the South African context. Moreover, it is hoped that this awareness will bring about much-needed changes to management practices and a re-examination of human resource practices and policies regarding diversity training and anti-discrimination.