When we talk about sexual orientation we mean sexual identity, attraction, and behaviour. Human sexuality is a wide spectrum ranging from exclusively heterosexual, through varieties of bisexuality to exclusively gay.
The term LGBT, or LGBT+ is commonly used when referring generically to people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. However, sexual orientation should not be confused with gender identity.
People’s experiences of discrimination
People are sometimes treated unfairly because of something to do with their sexual orientation. There has been progress in equality with the gradual repeal of discriminatory laws, the legalising of same-sex marriage in Scotland in 2014 and an increase in public acceptance.
Examples of discrimination in relation to sexual orientation may include:
- Refusing to grant time off for a female member of staff to attend ante-natal appointment with their partner who is pregnant, when time off would have been granted to a male member of staff whose female partner is pregnant.
- Same sex couples not having equal access to fertility treatment as heterosexual couples.
- Making offensive jokes or comments about sexual orientation or using derogatory remarks or terminology to describe gay, straight or bisexual people.
Vodafone shared a film about discrimination experienced by LGBT+ people at work
The cultural awareness hub shares some experiences of LGBTQ+ parents with maternity services.
Useful links:
- Research about ‘The ups and downs of LGBs’ workplace experiences’ found discrimination and bullying in the workplace.
- Health needs assessment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary people (scot.nhs.uk)
