In 1974, AT&T adopted an equal opportunity employment policy that states that a person's sexual orientation cannot be used as a criterion for personnel decisions. Sexual orientation is also a major element of AT&T's diversity management program. AT&T wants its lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered employees to feel comfortable in the workplace so that they can perform at their best.Many employees, however, are ignorant of the facts about lesbian and gay people. Many gay and lesbian employees feel that to be honest and open would result in their being treated differently than their peers. Consequently, they often feel a need to hide their sexual orientation and anything about their personal life that might reveal it.
The result is that these employees often experience a sense of isolation. When they need to discuss personal problems with co-workers or managers, they don't know who they can trust. Conversely, managers and co-workers who are supportive of diversity often don't know how to show this support to gay and lesbian co-workers.
LEAGUE created a Safe Space magnet as a visible, non-threatening way for personnel, especially coaches, to show that their desk or office is a safe space for gay men and lesbians. The magnet bears a pink triangle, a widely-recognized gay-positive symbol, surrounded by a green circle, the international symbol of acceptance. Displaying this magnet shows gay and lesbian co-workers that they can feel safe with you.
Why is this important to AT&T?
Diversity is not about tolerance. It is about recognizing, valuing and taking full advantage of the unique and individual contributions that each person brings to the workplace. Respect for differences allows for maximum productivity, and effective teaming; it provides individuals with the freedom to create and problem-solve without concerns that they will be judged on anything but their work.The Safe Space Program is designed to provide a non-threatening way for managers and employees to make a statement that homophobia and hostility will not be tolerated in the workplace.
Why the Pink Triangle?
The pink triangle is a widely-recognized symbol of gay pride and liberation, but its origins are rooted in oppression.Homosexuals were among those persecuted in Nazi Germany. They were arrested, placed in concentration camps, and targeted for extermination. Just as Jews were forced to wear a yellow Star of David, homosexuals were identified with pink triangles. A quarter of a million gay men and women died in places like Dachau. But even liberation by the Allied armies didn't bring freedom. Often, gay prisoners were forced by their liberators to serve out their sentences in prison.
Today, the pink triangle serves as a reminder of that suffering; a symbol of struggle, remembrance, and pride.
What can I do now?
Display the Safe Space magnet. LEAGUE created this magnet as a visible, non-threatening way to show that your work area is a "safe space" for gay people. Displaying this magnet shows gay co-workers that they can feel safe with you and shows unsupportive co-workers that you won't tolerate bigotry or discrimination.How else can I be supportive?
- Learn more about the issues. AT&T offers a variety of workshops that can help sensitize people to the concerns of their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered co-workers. Educational materials are also available from many other sources, including LEAGUE.
- Don't assume everyone is heterosexual. Few gay people fit the popular stereotypes of behavior and appearance. Likewise, it's not safe to assume that people who do fit these stereotypes are gay or lesbian.
- Don't permit or join in homophobic comments or jokes. These are harmful and have no place in the work environment. Let your co-workers know that you find such comments offensive.
- Use inclusive language. Gay employees are often in committed, long-term relationships but are legally prohibited from marrying their same-sex partners. Instead of asking if a co-worker is married, ask if they're in a relationship. Terms such as "significant other" and "partner" are more inclusive than "girlfriend" or "spouse."
- Treat the subject positively. When issues are discussed, make it clear that you think all people, regardless of their differences, should be treated with respect.
- Respect the privacy of the individual. Keep in mind that every gay person may not be ready to "come out of the closet," even if you're trying to be supportive. They may feel threatened if your efforts to reach out appear to be aimed specifically at them.
For more information or to order magnets, please call the LEAGUE National Hotline:
703-713-7820
TDD: 1-800-855-2880
* Safe Space and the Safe Space logo are registered trademarks of EQUAL! at Lucent, licensed to LEAGUE at AT&T.
