LGBTQ+ employees still hide identity

Almost 40% of LGBTQ+ individuals still feel the need to hide they are LGBTQ+ at work, according to recent research by the Stonewall LGBTQ rights organisation.

The organisation emphasises that this is “a powerful reminder that, in 2025, workplaces are still failing their LGBTQ+ employees”.

Among Stonewall’s other findings are that:

• one in eight (12%) of LGBTQ+ employees believe they were fired or dismissed because they are LGBTQ+;

• more than one in four LGBTQ+ people (26%) experienced negative comments or conduct from customers or clients because of their identity; and

• nearly a third of LGBTQ+ employees (31%) did not agree they could be themselves at work. Of these, over half (53%) experienced discrimination, such as receiving verbal or physical abuse, or feeling excluded.

Stonewall points out that recent data from the UK Office for National Statistics shows that more than one in 10 of those aged 16 to 24 in the UK now identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

It says: “These young people will be a crucial part of our workplaces … so organisations must stand firm and commit to equality and inclusion for our future workforce.”

Stonewall CEO Simon Blake pointed out that “the reality is that LGBTQ+ people — like everyone — spend an enormous part of their lives at work.

“Everyone deserves equal treatment in the workplace, and the knowledge they will not be abused, harassed or treated unfairly.”