The Relation of Job Satisfaction and Degree of Openness About OneÆs Sexual Orientation for Lesbians and Gay Men

Abstract

The social environment of the workplace is an important component of job satisfaction. Different groups perceive that environment in different ways. For gay men and lesbians an important factor may be how "open" they can be about their sexual orientation in the workplace. This study assesses the relation between openness about one's sexual orientation in the workplace and job satisfaction among gay men and lesbians. Results based on responses to the Job Descriptive Index from samples in Indianapolis and San Francisco indicated a strong relationship between openness and satisfaction with co-workers. In addition, individuals who were not completely "out" in the workplace were more satisfied with their pay and tended to make more than those who were "out" to both their bosses and their co-workers. Possible implications of these results regarding job satisfaction issues for lesbians and gay men are discussed.