LGBTI+ People in the Workplace: Bridging Gaps Between Academia, Employers, Trade Unions, and Policymakers

Introduction

LGBTI+ Workplace Inequalities: Insights from the EU COST Action CA19103 Meeting

As the Stakeholder Engagement Coordinators for the EU COST Action CA19103, my esteemed colleague Professor Ignacio Pichardo and I have orchestrated a meeting that speaks to our collective power and potential. This event, held at the University of Malta’s Valletta Campus on September 11th and 12th, 2023, was not merely an academic exercise but a profound act of solidarity and resistance. It was an essential moment in our COST Action and our ongoing efforts to bridge gaps between academia, employers, employees, trade unions, civil society, institutions, and policymakers and address systemic injustices faced by LGBTI+ people in the workplace.

Our network, the EU COST Action LGBTI+ Social and Economic (In)Equalities, is a network of academics and researchers working on LGBTI+ inequalities across Europe and beyond. We are scholars, researchers, and activists – a convergence of interdisciplinary minds – dedicated to unmasking and transforming the socio-economic structures that perpetuate inequality for LGBTI+ communities across Europe and beyond.

We recognise that true knowledge and liberation arise from dialogue. This meeting was designed to foster such dialogue, bringing together various stakeholders – civil society organisations, academics and researchers, industry partners, and policymakers. Their contributions were not only valued but integral to our shared goal of generating new understandings and strategies for collective action.

Analysing LGBTI+ Workplace Inequalities

The first day began with a spirit of mutual respect and openness. Following a warm welcome was an introduction to the COST Action and the Stakeholders Meeting. We were honoured to have Dr Claire Azzopardi Lane from the Faculty for Social Wellbeing at the University of Malta deliver the host institution’s welcome address.

Morning Panel Discussion: Current Realities Faced by LGBTI+ Individuals in Europe

Expert speakers from the New Rights Unit—CGIL Trade Union (Italy), the Council of Europe—Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Unit, and ILGA-Europe provided valuable insights.

Small Group Discussions: Identifying Challenges and Gaps in LGBTI+ Workplace Policies

In small group discussions, we engaged in critical reflection on the challenges and gaps in our current efforts. This participatory process allowed us to unearth the root causes of inequality and envision new possibilities for action.

Afternoon Sessions: Roles of Companies, Institutions, and Governments in Addressing LGBTI+ Inequalities

The afternoon sessions continued this exploration, focusing on the roles of companies, institutions, and governments in perpetuating or dismantling these inequalities. Another panel discussion featured speakers from L’Autre Cercle / Odyssey for Equality, the Human Rights Directorate in Malta, and MyGWork. We concluded the day by sharing best practices and identifying opportunities for solidarity and mutual support.

Collaborative Praxis for LGBTI+ Workplace Empowerment

The second day was dedicated to collaborative praxis. In small groups, we discussed how academia, stakeholders, trade unions, civil society organisations, institutions, and governments can co-create workplaces that respect and empower LGBTI+ people. We discussed the essential research and data required to inform our actions and how our COST network can serve as a transformative contributor.

Panel Discussion: Bridging Gaps Between Sectors to Tackle LGBTI+ Inequality

Later in the morning, a panel discussion sought to bridge gaps between different sectors. Speakers from XY Spectrum (Serbia) & OII-Europe, Transgender Europe, the European Sex Workers Alliance, and ILGA World shared their perspectives, emphasising that our struggles are interconnected and that liberation is collective.

As our gathering drew to a close, we engaged in collective reflection on the insights gained and commitments made over the two days. This meeting was a powerful reminder of the potential for transformative action through dialogical engagement. It reinforced our belief in the necessity and power of interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration and the crucial role each stakeholder plays in this ongoing struggle for justice.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Essential for addressing LGBTI+ workplace inequalities.
• Actionable Insights: Moving beyond awareness to implement meaningful change.
• Ongoing Commitment: Continuous reflection and action to dismantle structures of oppression.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces for LGBTI+ Individuals

We left the meeting in Malta with a renewed sense of purpose and the knowledge that we are part of a larger, unbreakable community. Together, we will continue to confront and dismantle the structures of oppression, creating workplaces and societies where every LGBTI+ individual can thrive. This is our mission, our challenge, and our shared commitment to humanising the world.