New research from Rice University finds that employees who are open about their at work experience direct benefits to their overall well-being. The finding won’t surprise many LGBT+ workers, but it’s particularly timely given the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending decision as to whether LGBT+ people are protected from discrimination by Title VII.
The researchers found new employees who concealed their sexual orientation felt increased levels of anxiety, anger and fatigue and decreased levels of vigor and self-assurance.
“Opening up about your sexuality at work is a very real fear for many LGBTQ+ Americans, no doubt due to the fact that individuals have been fired for coming out in the workplace,” said Eden King, an associate professor of psychological science at Rice, and an author of the study.