Discrimination

Q.           I am gay and my work colleagues do not know.  One of my colleagues found out that I was gay at the weekend when they saw me with my partner and this person has threatened to “out” me at work.  What can I do, I really don’t want people to find out?

A.            This must be very a difficult and stressful situation for you.  If you ignore your colleague they might leave you alone or they might “out” you any way out of spite. I would advise you not to ignore this, because your work life could become very unhappy and untenable.

I would advise you to approach a manager you trust to discuss this matter with them.  I know this will involve disclosing your sexuality to another person, but they should keep this confidential or risk breaching the Data Protection Act and discriminating against you.

You could agree a way forward with the manager. This might involve the manager having an  informal chat with your colleague, or you might choose to invoke the formal grievance procedure.

What your employer should not do is nothing at all. If an employee deliberately “outs” a colleague against their will this could constitute direct discrimination and/or harassment.  Your employer is responsible for the actions of your colleague and therefore it should take steps to address your concerns in an appropriate manner.  If it doesn’t please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Your colleague could disclose your sexuality to others.  However, hopefully if your employer deals with this matter in an appropriate and timely fashion, your wishes will be respected and this information will not be disclosed against your will. If the worst does happen, your employer could potentially take steps to discipline or even dismiss your colleague.