Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). Each year IDAHOBIT raises awareness of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ communities. It also highlights the work that needs to be done to ensure everyone can live free from discrimination and violence.
It’s an important message. It’s easy to look at developments in Australia in recent times and think that when it comes to support for LGBTQIA+ rights and wellbeing, it’s been all progress. Things like the passage of marriage equality laws and the introduction of pride rounds in major sporting codes increase visibility of these communities and promote a general attitude of inclusion.
But there is still work to be done. Just ask the trans rights activists in Melbourne who earlier this year found themselves facing off against white nationalist protestors displaying Nazi salutes. This IDAHOBIT, a number of community events have been cancelled or moved online due to threats of violence. Such incidents have led advocates to call for stronger legal protections across Australia, to better protect trans communities and other vulnerable groups from vilification and hate speech.
In fact, the marriage equality survey that preceded the changes to Australia's marriage laws actually increased incidences of violence against LGBTQIA+ people. It also resulted in an up to 40 per cent increase in mental health service use in areas of Australia.
These realities have a significant bearing on LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families, friends, and communities. IDAHOBIT presents an opportunity to reflect on how we, as individuals, workplaces, and society in general, can be truly inclusive – and reap the benefits of that inclusiveness.
LGBTQIA+ people in the workplace
A 2021 study into the health and wellbeing of transgender Australians concluded that widespread discrimination contributed to health inequity and prevalent mental health conditions among the trans community. LGBTQIA+ youth are five times more likely than the general population to attempt suicide, with trans youth being almost 11 times more likely. And almost a third of people who identify as gay in Australia have an anxiety disorder, compared with 14 per cent of straight people.
Unsurprisingly, inclusivity also has a bearing on the wellbeing and job satisfaction of LGBTQIA+ employees themselves. The Australian Workplace Equality Index suggests that one in two LGBTQIA+ workers hide their true selves at work for fear being out could damage their career.
This can affect not just the mental health and wellbeing of those employees, but be detrimental to the company. Lesbian and gay marketing specialist firm Out Now estimates that in Australia, the financial benefits associated with creating an environment where closeted workers feel safe to be who they are could be as much as $285 million per year. This includes an 11 per cent increase in staff retention and 30 per cent improvement in the productivity of closeted workers.
In short, LGBTQIA+ inclusion not only makes good sense from a basic human perspective – it also makes good business sense. In fact, our own research has shown that diversity, equity and inclusion are increasingly important to businesses’ employee attraction and retention strategies.
Consider, for example, that more than three quarters of job seekers consider diversity to be an important factor when evaluating job offers. Of people who are already employed, 39 per cent would leave their current organisation for a more inclusive one. For Gen Z, that figure is 50 per cent.
United in diversity
The theme for IDAHOBIT 2023 is “Together always: united in diversity”. For all Australian workplaces it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on how true inclusivity can support individual employees, businesses, and society more broadly to flourish together.
“In a time where the progress made by our LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide is increasingly at risk, it is crucial to recognise the power of solidarity, community, and allyship across different identities, movements, and borders,” say the organisers of IDAHOBIT.
“By coming together and raising our voices, we can make a difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities worldwide.” Employers have a critical role in this.
