What to Do When Your Boss Is a Homophobe
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Know Your Rights
It is important to know your rights. Find out if sexual orientation is included in your company's anti discrimination policies. The human resources department can provide this information. If you're hesitant to ask yourself, enlist your ally's help. Check to see if you are covered by state or municipal legislation.
Plan Your Next Move
You might speak to the boss directly, or your ally might step in for you. You may decide to talk to the boss's supervisor or assistant. There is no right or wrong solution; each workplace and every situation is different.
If you do decide to confront your boss, there are many approaches. Some people can speak frankly, while others try flattery. Humour is a strong tool, but it must be used wisely.
Andrew Stone, suggests subtlety. "Begin by commenting on how nice your boss's family pictures look on the desk." Then, you can establish a dialogue based on shared values.
Sometimes a boss won't care about shared values or anything else you say. In that case, investigate your company's workplace grievance policy. Most firms have standard procedures for resolving disputes.
However, Stone warns: "Don't compromise yourself. Your work should speak for itself. And if an employer discriminates against you and you don't want to go the route of pressing charges, then leave your job. Life is too short to work for a moron."
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