Are You Gay? The Weird New World of Job Applications

A long time ago, employers wanted to how much experience you had and what your educational background looked like, but they now want to know if you’re gay. I’m all for equity, but the asking of one’s sexuality seems to be overstepping on the employer’s behalf.

The Problem

I am a straight man, who identifies as a man, but I’m not sure how this information is used in the hiring process. All applicants have the right and the option to opt out of the question, but they shouldn’t have to because it shouldn’t be asked in the first place.

… having [LGBTQ community members] identify their sexuality on a job application could lead to pre-interview discrimination.

Those who are part of the LGBTQ community have experienced hate and oppression in the past, and this is why they are a class of protected people. Although we would like to think that everybody accepts them, we know this is not the case. If this is true, having them identify their sexuality on a job application could lead to pre-interview discrimination.

For example, if the hiring manager for a particular position is an opponent of gay rights and awareness, after reviewing the application of an applicant who identifies as part of the LGBTQ community, the employer is less likely to offer the opportunity to interview to that applicant. This logic can be applied to an employer who’s a racist reviewing the application of a self-described African American. Still, employers can effectively argue there are good reasons for racial identification on an application, even though I’m no fan of it either. The question about a person’s sexual orientation just seems like an offensive, unnecessary question.

Employers should not be interested in a potential employee’s sexual orientation.

Also, what benefits come to the applicant who identifies as part of the LGBTQ community? Do they get preferential treatment? Are their applications moved to the front automatically for guaranteed interviews? Is there some discrepancy in performance when comparing the work ethic of straight employees to those who are gay or part of the LGBTQ community? This question leaves far too many questions unanswered.

The Takeaway

Companies are increasingly asking the sexual orientation of applicants, and it’s weird. Employers should not be interested in a potential employee’s sexual orientation. Questioning it sparks more questions than it answers. This question is counterproductive and should be removed from applications.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block. He also works an Adjunct College Professor. Join the email list to get notifications on new blog posts and books. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human. Subscribe and share.