This Is Good Advice.

When I was a supervisor I learned a few things about discrimination in the workplace.

My number one bit of advice is keep a logbook!

This is from the British Pink News article “Dealing with anti-LGBTQ+ bullying at work? Here’s what to do”…

What to do if you’re being bullied at work

Facts are facts: any kind of discrimination, harassment or bullying is unacceptable and cannot exist in any workplace. If you are a victim of bullying at work for your gender or sexual identity, you have rights and there are steps you can take to resolve the issue that don’t involve simply quitting. 

“Trust your gut instinct,” says David Greenhalgh, a partner and specialist employment lawyer at Excello Law. “If you feel you are being targeted because you are LGBTQ+ you are probably right, but the key is being able to produce some evidence that you are being treated less favourably than a non-LGBTQ+ colleague.”

Paul Britton, founder of the London and Brighton-based law firm Britton & Time offers up some initial steps that people can take when the bullying has gone too far.

Speak to HR

“If your workplace has an HR representative, it is important to inform them of the bullying behaviour. They can help you file a complaint and start an investigation.”

Start a paper trail

“Keep a record of the dates, times, and details of each incident of bullying. This can help support your case if you need to take further action.”

Talk to your supervisor

“If the person bullying you is a colleague or supervisor, consider speaking to their superior about the situation.”

Seek support

“Reach out to friends, family, or a support group for emotional support. It can also be helpful to seek out resources provided by LGBTQ organisations or hotlines.”

Consider legal action

“If the bullying behaviour persists or your employer fails to take appropriate action, you may need to consider legal action. Consult with a solicitor who specialises in employment law to explore your options.”

Suppose you have a fellow employee who is harassing you because. This is the advice that I give,

First step when someone at work is harassing you because you are trans. Tell the employee that they are harassing you.

Second step, tell your immediate supervisor immediately.

Third step, buy yourself a notebook with numbered pages (That is important because it could become a legal document and the page numbers prove you didn’t remove or add information.)

In the notebook record date and time, who said what, and whom you talked to (i.e. Your boss, HR, other employees, etc.)

Fourth step, if the harassment continues… go to HR.

Last step take legal action.

I was the moderator on a panel about the new Connecticut gender inclusive non-discrimination law in 2011. The panel was organized by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) and I remember one of the questions.

It was asked by a trans women, her boss was always harassing her and the lawyer for the CHRO asked if the boss did it to everyone. She replied, “Yes.” and the lawyer for the CHRO answered, the law doesn’t protect you from “an equal opportunity a**hole” only from one who just picks on you because of a protected class.

I hope that you never need this information but if you do… keep a notebook!