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Straight Jobs, Gay Lives: Gay and Lesbian Professionals, the Harvard Business School, and the American Workplace

By Friskopp, Annette, and Sharon Silverstein, 1995, Scribner.

Interviews with gay and lesbian alumni of the Harvard Business School (HBS) woven into a discussion of the gay and lesbian experience both at the school, and in the world of work after graduation. Chapters on discrimination, being closeted/coming out at work, networking, success, gender, race and ethnicity, HIV/AIDS, and the unique experiences of gay professionals. Excellent reading guide at the end, including books, theses and academic papers. There is also a “gay workplace resource guide” with US listings.

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By Keltie Creed

I work exclusively online, and have done so since the fall of 1997. I have never met most of my clients. I never make eye contact with them, seldom hear the emotion in their voices. But I do get to know their minds, their way of expressing themselves, their hopes and dreams. We work together on action plans, resumes, interview preparation, decision making and a myriad of other issues. They do find work. On the surface, it may seem like my practice is something far removed from your own, but in reality, the work that we do is probably very similar. The difference is the tools that we use, and the medium of communication.

By Brigid Murphy

• Lack of normal life experiences
• Inadequate role modelling
• Discrimination
• Employer attitude’s
• Inadequate education
• Illiteracy
• Poor social skills
• Cultural differences
• Perceived reality
• Negative self concept
• Poor work attitude
• Marginalization
• Identity confusion
• Values clash
• Low self esteem
• No support systems/no family
• Language barrier
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• History of emotional, physical, sexual abuse
• Developmental disabilities
• Gender confusion
• History of failures
• Emotional instability
• Young dependants
• Lack of vocational skills
• Depression
• Involved with child and family services
• Physical appearance
• Learning difficulties
• Stereotyping
• Medical problems
• Economically and socially disadvantaged

The top three critical barriers noted by NYIC are: lack of education due to early independent living and the need to focus on meeting basic survival needs; no personal support networks – family or otherwise; and no financial resources. For others it is: court ordered client resistance; lack of work experience; confusion about vocational choice; health issues; poor adaptation skills; lack of problem solving skills; low self esteem; lack of trust; and, an unstable home life.