Gay Men – Statistically Earn Less Income

Postmodernists advocate to hear the voices of marginalized members of society. “Postmodernists reject all totalizing belief systems or grand narratives that seek to impose some kind of ideal order on society in the interests of society” (Mullaly, 1007, p. 176).  In regards to sexual orientation, postmodernists would strive to eliminate the hierarchal order that ranks heterosexuality as superior in comparison to identification as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender, or questioning (GLBTQ).  In recent years there have been significant improvements in the treatment of GLBTQ as a result of the decriminalization of same sex sexuality, the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder, and the protection for gays and lesbians under the Canadian Human Rights Act (O’Neil, 2003).  However, despite these recent improvements, many sexual minorities continue to feel discriminated against in the work place and gay men are earning significantly less income in comparison to heterosexual men.

Despite Canada’s more progressive stance against heterosexism, a recent article in the Toronto Sun revealed that “[a]bout one in 10 GLBTQ workers still find coworkers and employers intolerant of their sexual orientation, and between one-third to half of respondents had experienced some form of discrimination throughout their professional lives” (Toronto Sun, 2011).  Failure to provide supportive policies in agencies that are predominately heterosexual increases the perception of discrimination in the work place (Ragins & Cornwell, 2001).  Discrimination creates an uncomfortable working atmosphere, negatively affecting job satisfaction, commitment to the agency, and satisfaction with promotion opportunities (Ragins & Cornwell, 2001).  Discrimination in the work place has been particularly damaging for gay men who are earning significantly less than heterosexual men.   

A study focusing on sexual orientation and income in Canada revealed that gay men are earning 12% less income then heterosexual men (Carpenter, 2008).  Gay men have higher rates of employment in the arts, cultural, and recreational fields as well as in sales and services (Carpenter, 2008). While the potential earnings in these fields may be less than business or government agencies, the atmosphere is likely to be more inclusive and welcoming to sexual minorities.  Many gay men working in heterosexual dominated agencies feel pressure to conceal their true identity in order to avoid mistreatment and discrimination in the work place. Therefore, although there has been improvement in recent years, gay men are still seen as inferior to heterosexual men, continuing to face discrimination in the work place, and earning less annual income.

The data used to assess the income of gay men in Canada proclaims that 87.9% of self-identified gay men are white and that 37.6% have a bachelor’s degree (Carpenter, 2008). Therefore, it can be concluded that the study is representative of a more privileged gay population.  A study looking at the dual oppression of gay men who are also discriminated against because of their ethnic identity or other factors such as physical or intellectual disabilities would likely expose a more troubling outcome for gay men with many struggling to survive living below the poverty line.

The recent changes in government policies have increased acceptance towards the GLBTQ population in many areas.  However, as analyzed above, discrimination against sexual minorities continues.  To proactively hear the voices of marginalized sexual minorities, policies need to be developed and enforced to ensure sexual minorities receive the same opportunities for employment as the general population and that they are fairly represented in all agencies and fields of employment.  A much stronger emphasis should be placed on creating a safe and welcoming work environment that is free of discrimination and prejudice.  While the statistics above focus on a more privileged gay population consideration must also be afforded to those facing dual oppressions.  A postmodernist attitude needs to be promoted to encourage marginalized groups to speak out and to encourage privileged groups to listen.

Kim

References

Carpenter, C. S. (2008). Sexual orientation, work, and income in Canada.  Canadian Journal of Economics, 41(4), 1239-1261.  Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.proxy2.lib.umanitoba.ca/doi/10.1111/j.1540-5982.2008.00502.x/pdf

Mullaly, R. (2007).  Feminist, anti-racist, and postmodern critiques.  The new structural social work (3^rd Ed.). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.

O’Neill, B. (2003). Heterosexism: Shaping social policy in relation to gay men and lesbians. In A. Westhues (Ed.), Canadian Social Policy: Issues and perspectives (pp. 128-144). Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press.

Ragins, B. R., & Cornwell, J. M. (2001). Pink triangles: Antecedents and consequences of perceived workplace discrimination against gay and lesbian employees.  Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(6), 1244-1361.  Retrieved from

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