My friend applied for a job which she was qualified, capable and willing to do but for some reason was passed over only when it appears her employer found out her sexual orientation.
Being homosexual has many limitations much like those of the disabled. Before 1973 homosexuality, gay, lesbians, and queers was classified as a disorder (Straka, SWRK 1310, Oct. 20, 2010). Although the physically disabled are just like any one of us, society seems to put forth many limitations, weaknesses and obstacles that people without disabilities do not realize. I believe these limitations are seen and experienced in much the same way as in the queer/homosexual community. Today it appears there are growing rates of homosexuality across cultures; however, many homosexuals are still faced with challenges and barriers in their everyday lives as they were years ago.
Although same sex marriages were legally passed as of July 20th, 2005. Canada is still only the 4th country in the world to legalize gay marriages http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_Canada. Many homosexuals in Canada still appear to compete with the judgment of family, friends and the people around them. To this day barriers exist when it comes to housing, employment and memberships of organizations (Straka, SWRK 1310, Oct. 20, 2010). It is still difficult today for many homosexual people to find jobs because of their orientation and they often may not openly indicate their sexual preference. How they appear to the heterosexual community may continue to be a more significant barrier then those with other disabilities. I hope that in the near future ones sexual orientation will be more widely accepted and they will be given the same opportunity in our community and not treated as if it were a disability. We should all have the same opportunities, rights, freedom and are no longer criticized, characterized or limited by our identity. Just because we are unsure or do not understand does not mean we should pass judgments upon someone or something we should let each persons skills, abilities, and performance define them.
-Autumn, B.
ReferencesStraka, SWRK 1310, Oct. 20, 2010
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ReplyDeleteUntil I read this blog, I did not know that there is only 4 countries in which gay marriages are legal also, that homosexuals have many difficulties finding employment. I knew that there is a lot of stigma against homosexuals, but I did not know to the extent that it would effect their employment. What ever happened to equal opportunity? This blog really opened up my eyes to the fact that there are still many uneven opportunities in Canada among homosexuals and even though we legalized gay marriages we still need to get rid of this stigma that is still held against many homosexuals.
ReplyDeleteMelanie. F
I'm not sure if it is fair to suggest being physically disabled is like being discriminated against based on your sexual orientation. I have worked with the disabled before and trust me, when someone comes into a place looking for a job when they are in a wheelchair, it is not easy. Some of my disabled friends have tried for years to find jobs. I don't doubt a member of the LGBTTQ community will face some discrimination, but I do not see it affecting their ability to find work in the same way as a person who requires mobility aides. Having known a few men and women who are LGBTTQ, I was surprised at how well they manage to do for themselves compared to the average person.
ReplyDeleteIn the field of employment, or school is what I meant.
ReplyDeleteDavid.
I have learned from reading your post that there are only four countries in the world, in which homosexuals are allowed to marry. That is a suprise to me, as I assumed it would have been many more.
ReplyDeleteThis helps to contribute to the fact that homosexuals do not always have the same opportunities as heterosexuals individuals and couples.
I can only imagine how hard it would be for a homosexual individual to know that others look down upon them, and view them as disabled. It is not fair that being different, being homosexual makes it harder to get a job; and at times having to pretend to be somebody else.
No matter what a person's sexual preference is, everyone deserves to be treated equally, and respected by all.
Ashley R.
Hello Autumn, I enjoyed how you incorporated real life scenario in your blog because I feel they really give people a good understanding and realization that these issues do exist. I was surprised to see that only four countries were legalized for gay marriages. I agree that all people should have equal rights to employment, marriage est. As a social worker it is important to consider these challenges and advocate for change.
ReplyDeleteNicole G
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ReplyDeleteHey Autumn, great post! I think it is easier for some to accommodate people in wheel chairs then it is for them to accommodate someone who is gay just because of the stigma attached to being homosexual. Either way though whether you are disabled or a member of the queer community you should be entitled to be treated with equality and respect, this is something that society needs to work on especially since there are only 4 countries that allow same sex marriages.
ReplyDeleteAlexis B
Good post Autumn. I think it is extremely sad that a person's sexual orientation would have any impact on their employment situation. I can't see how being gay or straight could in any way affect one's abilities,including fulfilling the requirements of a job. Having a job is a separate part of someone's life, and it has nothing to do with the gender of the person they may love.
ReplyDelete-Eliza R.
I thought in Canada it was against the law the ask questions on a job application or in an interview about sexual orientation. And further, even if it is legal to ask, why should that make any difference about what kind of work ethics a person may have from their sexual orientation. That's horrible to hear that your friend was discriminated against like that. I agree with you that if you don't know much about it or are unsure about homosexuality then people should not criticize or pass judgement.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
Tiffany your post brings me to the comment you and I posted on my blog. It is illegal to ask about sexual orientation. If your friend was turned down for the job because of her orientation I'm sure there is a way that she can argue it. It would most likely be a huge hassle, but if that is in fact the reason it would be worth it. The majority of job applications only ask the gender of the applicant and everybody is given the same application. Nobody should ever be asked, or judged because of their sexual preference.
ReplyDeleteBrittney